Cup of Inspiration

The quote of the day in my Franklin Planner gives us something to consider regarding perspectives.

• “I didn’t lose the gold. I won the silver.” – Michelle Kwan

The world tells us to go for the gold. Don’t settle for anything less. Second place is for losers. This line of thinking is the exact opposite of being thankful for what you have.

There is nothing wrong with going for the gold. Try to get admitted to the great school program. Go for that great job at the target company. I’m not saying ambition is wrong. It can, however, be misplaced. If you aren’t accepted into the dream program, but instead are accepted into a different program, there is nothing to be ashamed about. Take advantage of the learning opportunity you have been granted. You didn’t land the dream job at the target company? But did you instead land a job at a smaller firm that can give you the chance to build up some experience while providing an income to pay your bills? That’s worth some applause.

Perhaps your business isn’t setting records in sales. You’re reading posts of others that sold out of their products or services within weeks of opening their business. You are still struggling to get a steady client base a few months into the journey. But you are getting some work while finding your way. You haven’t won that gold medal; you can’t brag that you are booked out. But you do have a silver, or perhaps only a bronze. You have landed those smaller contracts or sold a small volume of goods. Celebrate that you have sold more than you would have had you never started.

The world says go for the gold; don’t settle for anything but that top spot. Perhaps you should just celebrate being in the race and gaining some ground. There is no shame in not being in that top slot. Celebrate being in the game, and getting better as you go.