When anyone tells me I can’t do anything, I’m just not listening any more. ― Florence Griffith Joyner
There is something absolutely magical about the olympics. Millions of people watching one event, trying to fathom what it must mean for the participants, and appreciating the years of constant effort and work that the participants must have endured.
We all find someone to cheer for, even if our country is not represented, we find someone to cheer on, someone to support, and someone to claim as our representation. When people fail we may feel a little disappointed, but for the most part we want to encourage them, and let them know that there will always be a next time…
But one of my favorite things about the olympics is the reminder that there is always only one NUMBER ONE. Often times we try to encourage our kids by telling them that everyone is a winner, and that there are no losers. While I appreciate what it does to boost the child’s self esteem, I also realize that by giving children the illusion that success is guaranteed just based on effort we set these children up for failure. People begin to use only minimal effort if they believe that everyone is rewarded equally, and then they are discouraged and depressed when they realize that life doesn’t work that way.
Whatever you do you have to be the best in your world. You have to specialize, and that is the only way you can accomplish the impossible.