‘We tend to celebrate risk only after it has led to great things, which means we rarely celebrate the risk-takers who haven’t yet been rewarded for their efforts. The paradox here is that we are often unwilling to embrace ambition and originality until it is safe to do so.” - Source.
We don’t read in the news about the starving artist trying to make it big, until they have done so.
We don’t reward the great employees at our work until they have run a successful event or made their quota for the month.
We don’t acknowledge our athletes’ ability to motivate corporations until they have won a gold medal at the Olympics.
Sad, but true. We are a results-oriented culture that tries to cover it up by saying things like “the journey is more important than the destination,” but then recognizes only those that “got there” or failed miserably trying.
And that’s just it. It’s that “failing miserably” part that stops people from trying in the first place. But I think we confuse “failing miserably” with “one-time rejection.”
Example: Asking someone out on a date. Best case scenario – they say yes! Worst case scenario – they say no and you are slightly embarrassed. Does this no mean that you will spend the rest of your life alone and unhappy? NO! You got rejected, but you haven’t failed in the relationship world. You took a risk and didn’t come out on top, but you did learn a couple things along the way. Maybe that pick-up line wasn’t the best. Maybe your fragrance was overpowering. After taking a risk, you identify areas to improve yourself and better your “game” for next time. And, yes, there will always be a next time!
All that being said, this past year I have seen some great celebrations of risk-takers. Two of them were quite noteworthy.
The first being when I went to watch the World Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii and witnessed Craig Alexander (the first place finisher) stay at the finish line to cheer on and congratulate all the other finishers (even Joe Marinucci who placed 1636 out of 1636). It didn’t matter at what time you crossed the line – but you risked your body to be an Ironman – and THAT was amazing!
The second, and most recent, was Seth Godin, who posted on his blog a link to all the applications he received for his Alternative MBA program. The number of qualified individuals who applied (400+) far outweighed the number he selected (10), but he wanted to make a public notice to acknowledge everyone’s efforts – and rightfully so.
When was the last time you celebrated someone who came in last, didn’t get the job, or burnt that batch of cookies? The result may not be something to brag about, but the fact that they took the risk and tried is!
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2 comments
Paul Pettengill says:
December 23, 2008 at 5:03 pm (UTC 1)
Hey Matt,
Great Post! I totally agree with the need to celebrate the risk taking action itself. The act of putting oneself out there is what constitutes growth. You can’t win the lottery unless you buy a ticket, and you can’t get the date or job of your dreams unless you ask. I’ve really enjoyed your comments on the Managing Logistics group.
Keep up the great work with the blogging and with the awesome hug campaign!
Cheers!
Paul
Stephanie Corker Irwin says:
December 24, 2008 at 11:36 am (UTC 1)
Love your blog post!
May you ALWAYS celebrate the journey, celebrate those who started, who tried, who failed because success will only be sweeter!
You are an inspiration B-RO!
XX.