Yep. Life ain’t about that, so don’t spend too much time dwelling on it. I heard a story that Carlos Castaneda used to take the money he made from his books and cashing the checks. Then he would fill the paper grocery bags full of bills and leave them in a phone booth in New York City. Whoever stumbled upon the money would find a surprise. I’m not sure if this story is true or not, but the point being, Carlos didn’t have much of an ego.

It’s even hard for me to digest that statement, but I believe it to be true. Once you begin to get caught up in the trophies, awards and victories, something shifts within you and now your motivation is different.

I would agree. As hard as it is to say, I’ve learned much more while I focus on the process as well as when I haven’t come out on top then the other way around. I’m okay with that and over the years have began to embrace the rough spots. I know by now that when I come out on the other side I will be better because of it.

Sure it’s nice to hoist that state, that medal – there is nothing wrong with that and I still compete today, but don’t make it the end all. Because there’s a whole lot of opportunities along the way to learn, grow and evolve.