Lessons From the Track

Did you see it on May 2^nd? The Kentuck Derby (you can view it on YouTube)…the Run for the Roses. If there is anything the story of the 50-1 shot who blew away the field of bigger, more experienced and more money-making horses can tell us it's that you must never count yourself out. The jockey, Calvin Borel, the co-owner, Leonard Blach and the steed who took them across the tape first, Mine That Bird, taught everyone that great lesson…again. Why do we think we can't when there are common people all around us who anyone would look at and say…not a chance…and yet they go for it leaving the rest of their competitors wondering, "What just happened here?"

Mine That Bird. Small in size, was 1 for 32 in races prior to the Derby, was purchased for $9,500 and arrived at Churchill Downs after being carted 1,466 miles in a horse trailer by his owner who drove with his left foot because his right ankle was broken. Leonard Blach was ridiculed, told there is no way his horse would win but you know, he just said…well it's obvious what he said. More important is what he and Calvin Borel did. They chose to see it differently. They pushed out all the negative talk. Calvin just did what he knew how to do…loved to do…had trained to do…and he never looked back. He focused on the race, guided and trusted Mine That Bird to do what he was trained to do. Despite all the odds, the conventional wisdom, the statistics, Calvin Borel saddled up on this magnificent animal, took his shot and in so doing took his place in racing history.

The only thing that separates people who seem like they don't have a prayer to succeed and yet do and those that don't make an attempt is a decision they make in their brain: "I'm going for it." You gotta be in it to win it. No way you have a chance if you're on the sidelines watching your race go by. The question may be, "what if I try and lose?" Another question is, " What's the cost of not trying at all?"

Sometimes we feel like the long shot, or our ideas and dreams feel like we have no business pursuing them. What story do you keep telling yourself that keeps you from getting in the race, taking your spot in the field and going for it?  Do you let the odds keep you from taking your shot at the winner's circle?