The Olympics and Achievement

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All over the TV are these young, beautiful athletes who are accomplishing their dreams, and getting the adoration of thousands of cheering people. Even some high schoolers, who will no doubt return to school beloved, popular, the subjects of admiration.

I one dreamed of the Olympics...worked so hard and in the end, was an embarassment. So many things I've tried and failed at.

I was not blessed with good looks, or an outgoing personality. Got saddled with this BS AS. I'll never find love based on who I am as a person, because I'm not worthy of love.

But I will change all that. I will do something really special and great. Something for which people will always remember me with love and affection. Something really beautiful to be my legacy.

I've got to do it. Two years shy of 30, and I feel ancient compared to those amazing Olympians, and utterly mediocre and average.

I have to excell at something to redeem my mediocrity. A failure in love, making friends, being a normal human being. If I can do something really great, it will make up for my failings.

We should all strive to be great, and to accomplish something we can leave behind for the world to cherish. For me, it is the only way I'll justify my worth.

And after watching these amazing Olympians who have it all, who are seemingly beloved by God above his lesser creations, I need to do something to make up for being such flawed damaged goods. I'll prove my worth, and do something great, or I'll die trying. Better that than to live in mediocrity.

At least there's a Patron Saint of Mediocrity to watch over us - Salieri.

Concrrning the Olympics... For me, I get disgusted with the continual, "You can accomplish anything if you work hard enough" spiel. For anyone to work hard enough to get to the olympics their goal is not to just get there, but to get a medal... and at that even most Olympians fail. Ignoring the fact that the emphasis is on the physical, and with few exceptions requires certain genetic traits to get to that level of performance, it is still a load of crap.

I enjoy the Nike commercial that shows the every day schmuck plodding along and talking about greatness... Most people who acheive true greatness are never noticed by the masses, they are noticed by those they touch.

So, to me greatness worth seeking doesn't necessarily get noticed by millions of people, or even hundreds... I think you should consider this in your striving for greatness.

However, if your search for greatness leads you to fame (a different thing completely) then good for you. I wish you success in seeking your greatness.