There is no better teacher than that of a mistake. The experience can be frustrating,
confusing, and even surprising –
but ultimately, mistakes are humbling.
Much like the sting of a swift slap across the face,mistakes remind us that we are human.
They wake us up to the reality that our choices and final decisions are
often based on an ever-changing situation. That no two moments will even be the
exact same; that we need to make the errors, in order to truly learn and grow.
This week, I found myself in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada – home of the
2010 Winter Olympic Games – and our next two Canadian National Team Selection
Races.
Today, was Race #2.
By the time my name was called to the line, I was ready to
race.
race.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t
ready to make a mistake.
ready to make a mistake.
I made a few.
When I crossed the finish line, I knew I was about to see a downtime that I
would not be pleased with (even if in that split second, I also wished for a
miracle) – the result was the former. I had dug myself a fairly deep hole of time.
When I got back to the top, I had a choice to make: dwell on what
was, or move on to what could be.
was, or move on to what could be.
I did everything I needed to do on that 2nd run – even if the end result did not see me move up in the overall ranking.
It’s okay to be wrong once and awhile – and it’s even okay
to admit it. Sure, I was disappointed in that first run – but I won’t be
disappointed that I found a way to shake it off and do what was required.
to admit it. Sure, I was disappointed in that first run – but I won’t be
disappointed that I found a way to shake it off and do what was required.
Tomorrow, we slide Race #3.
By dinner, the National Teams will be announced.
In sliding, just as in life, perfection cannot be the goal. Instead, we must
learn to take the mistakes we make and use them to become even just 1% better.
1% better. Every. Single. Day.
Own your reality, without apology.
Nicely said Cassie. Good luck in race 3!