Me to son ahead of race: ‘how do you think you’ll do?’
Son: ‘I’ll win’
Me: ‘really?’
Son: ‘what’s the point of training and giving up so much to aim for second?’
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That sounds like a humble brag, but it is a real conversation.
This came up in a management conversation today, and it was a healthy reminder of why aiming high matters.
When faced with a challenge that will demand effort, focus, commitment and energy, why commit to anything less than the best possible result? No-one ever won gold by aiming for bronze.
Sure, the chances of making the top step are still very slim, especially when there are 120 other fit young things fighting for a step that only has one place.
But, without that goal, the effort just doesn’t make any sense.
So, yes. Aim for the best. Work for it. And celebrate the process as much as the outcome.
And FWIW, he knows winning is an outcome subject to so many variables outside of his control. His attitude, however, is one variable he can control. Attitude, effort, commitment set the foundation where winning is possible. They never guarantee it.