The opportunity in failure...
The other side of winning is the side we hate to be on. It goes by a variety of names:
losing...failure...regret...2nd place...(fill in the blank)
But it also present an opportunity. The opportunity in failing is in sharing the story.
See, I think we all have no problems sharing the wins, the good stuff of life, and thats OK. The posts on Facebook of the finish lines of life...the Tweets about the goals being met.
But what about when we crash and burn? Isn't sharing and authenticity about the entire 360 of life? Isn't that what true connection is about?
So I crashed and burned this weekend.
I DNF'd at the Buffalo Springs 1/2 Ironman. On the swim. I could go on about all the things that went wrong for me and then go on about how my training is spot on and I am in the best shape of my life.
But it doesn't change how I feel about it. So I'm sharing. I'm being what I said I'd be because I said I would.
I'm being vulnerable and authentic.
I effed up my race and I'm now dealing with all the 'what ifs'...the Monday morning QB'ing and yes, the mental questioning that goes along with this event. I feel like shit. I feel like a loser and I feel even worse that my son was there to watch it all. That's what gets me the most I think. I feel like I didn't come through. I talk a big talk about life and dreams...and then I freakin' DNF on the swim.
But I'll deal with it and move on. I will. I will because of the people I surround myself with and their indomitable spirit of drive, motivation, love of life and being happy.
OK...so in the grand scheme maybe peeps think: a race? A stupid race and your feeling crappy Rick? I've got REAL problems.
Or maybe...a race? A stupid race? Really? That's small time Rick, deal w it.
Folks, the beauty isn't in comparing whose failure is worse or whose is least...the beauty is in the sharing. In the ability to show up as you...true...real...authentic.
So yeah...I DNF'd and I feel like a bucket of manure.