Dreams, Emotions, Success, and Failure
I watched American Idol tonight. It was my first time. I was fascinated by the way in which the contestants handled the pressure. These performers were given a pass or fail on their performance. The judge’s decision would either prolong or end the dream.
It seemed cruel how the judges drug things out. Then when the decision was announced the emotions gushed. I would love to have the opportunity to make people as happy as those folks were when they were passed to the next round. The ones who got the bad news handled it differently. Some were angry, while others were philosophical about it.
The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat is the stuff of life. Some have tried to soften the agony, but such efforts also squelch the thrill. There is no getting around success and failure. Those who try may avoid the trauma and disappointment of failure, but in so doing; make it impossible to ever drink from the sweetest vintage of victory.
Few things match the joy of achievement. The disappointment that comes with failure is a pain that lingers. The trick is to let that pain motivate you to try again, to try harder, to stand one more time and give it a go. I believe we can achieve nearly anything we are willing to work for. When you put yourself out there and go for "it" you are on a course leading to success or failure. What lies ahead is shear joy or a heartache beyond belief.
I like the Nike commercial with Lance Armstrong. He says, “They keep asking me what I’m on,” (Lance has been accused of using steroids, which is not true) “What am I on? . . . I’m on my bike busting my ass six hours a day.” Lance Armstrong believes he out works his competition and deserves to win.
Do not be afraid to want something so badly you would be crushed not to obtain it. For if you do achieve the goal, great joy awaits. If you should fall short, rekindle your efforts and try again. Try harder, do it differently.
Those on the American Idol fall into both categories. Some said they would quit and let the dream die, some said they would keep trying, while others are still living the dream.
I admire them all, because they gave it a shot. They tried. Life teaches us through success and failure. With an open mind and a willingness to work our successes will increase.
Life is unpredictable and it is the unpredictability that makes it so emotional at times. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb for your dream, that is where the fruit is.
Until the next time
John Strain