As an athlete I always have high expectations, and in the past I’ve always achieved the things I’ve put my effort into. I’m a firm believer that you can do anything you put your mind and heart to. Unfortunately or whichever way you look at it, I’ve now expierenced failing at something I poured my heart and soul into. I’m sure sometime ages ago this has happened, but I don’t recall anything as of right now.
Some of you may know I took a new position with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society last year, DREAM JOB. I still love my job, really! I did however have a campaign that fell short. Excuses and explanations are plentiful, but when it comes down to it I still failed in my eyes. I failed at accomplishing a goal that I thought was totally achievable. I’d say with a week to go before the campaign ended I started to fully realize that it was not going to happen. My job requires a certain level of professionalism positive and peppy attitude that doesn’t allow room for sulking.
I don’t think it helped that I literally flew out of town for my sisters graduation (WOULDN’T MISS IT), came back in town only to have 2 other campaigns starting and needing my full attention. These campaigns didn’t just need my full attention, they needed my “can do” “make it happen” tenacity that I typically go after things with.
All I can say, it’s been tough. I was mentally spent, physically exhausted, and done. Training? Nonexistent. Luckily (maybe?!) I had a sprint tri the week after. Expectations for this race were low, but when I race I know I need to make it count. I attack racing like I did my last campaign, with fire in my heart and the knowledge that anything is possible. I ended up holding my own at the race, no times to write home about but the effort was there.
Maybe I should start thinking about my job like I do racing and realize that although some days you may fall a little short, falling short is not failing. Go back, look at what can be done differently, how to be better prepared, and maybe adjust those high expectations (just a little!). I’m glad I raced that weekend, it reminded me that the mind is a very powerful tool. I may not have been fit physically, but by gosh I was there mentally. Just because you don’t make a goal the first time around doesn’t mean you won’t succeed. Some of the best succeed after TONS of tries, great reminder to never give up.
