Many people believe that we need to get our up and coming generations to shoot for higher goals, not succumb to mediocrity, and when they shoot for those tougher goals, they will not make it more than if they had not . Not long ago, the TED Conferences put forth an old video along this line of thinking, it was a rare clip from 1972, "Legendary Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl delivers a powerful message about the human search for meaning." His message was in a nut shell; "Shoot for the Stars and Settle for the Moon."
But I say; Forget That Noise – Let's Go All the Way! Yes like that famous pop hit with the lyrics; "Ya, Ya, Ya, let's go all the way," because as far as I am concerned, if you are going to go for it, do it, go all the way, not half way and then congratulate yourself. Either you are "in it to win it," or you are not. As far as I am concerned Viktor Frankl, the so-called legendary psychiatrist sends the wrong message to American youth and their coaches, teachers, and mentors.
"Do not try, do!" said Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid. A great quote indeed, and it is completely and 100% on the money, that's what matters in life; winning, accomplishing what you set out to do, not trying, or trying and then settling for the less, no way, not in this life time, you must make your life count. Not sure if it's just me but TED, and the people who lean far left seem to believe that simple praise of the next generation is acceptable. Propel their self-esteem with certificates and accolades.
Personally, I say these kids need a good kick in the butt, because half way, is not good enough. Our ancestors did not come half-way to get here, we did not go half way against NAZI Germany, and it's quite frankly un-American to go half way; forget that. Let's go all the way, all the way to the top, the number one slot, where we belong. We have the history, we have the genetics, we have the intellect, and we have opportunity, so there is absolutely no excuse not to.
Do not settle for less in your life, do not give up, do not give in, stand tall for what you believe in, and believe in yourself too, and then we will see you in the winner's circle, where you belong. Personally, I do not believe in second place, or going halfway way, I believe in winning and going all the way!