Success

Saturday, I sat down as I do every year and watched the Kentucky Derby. I have thought in years past that I would want to go to the event but it has just never materialized. It looks like a fun event but I would have to be out in the sun all day and I know how I do with that – not good. That is completely immaterial to this post.

Yesterday saw a fairly quick race ran and won by the 5-2 favorite Big Brown, beating out the filly Eight Belles. Eight Belles made an attempt to be the fourth filly to win the Kentucky Derby. Big Brown ran a good race not using too much energy at the beginning and pull out to a definitive win. Big Brown, his jockey as well as the whole team were seen celebrating the day’s success. There was numerous personal interest stories were being told in relations to the winning horse. While all this was going on, the second place horse Eight Belles ended up suffering two broken front ankles. The decision was immediately to have her euthanized.

As I saw all this playing out on TV, I have to tell you it did strike a chord with me. A horse that was so close to winning the Kentucky Derby and still submitting a great performance regardless of the result was gone in a matter of moments. There was no enjoyment of the accomplishment of her efforts and obviously no opportunity to build upon it.

The lesson in this instance is simple. Success is something that is tough to come by and should be enjoyed when you are experiencing because it can be snatched away without notice. Success comes in many different flavors and how it is perceived is up to those experiencing it as well as those who are the successful person. Success to some is “nothing more” than having their health while others put success on bank accounts and luxury items. Of course there are numerous measurements for success that one can use.

It seems the timing of all this is interesting since recently I was given a small reminder to not take anything for granted. I have been given a small setback if you will that will be temporary but nonetheless have a long term impact on my life. While this was going on, I was offered a nice “vote of confidence” which is a byproduct of hard work and diligence- as well as opportunity - on my part. In the end, both the setback and “vote of confidence” will be perceived as good things because of their bi products. The setback is not positive but there were plenty of very nice attributes that came along with it. Failure is sometimes like that. Overall, much like beauty, success lies in the eye of the beholder.