Posted by Mark on 29th November 2007

Lessons Learned

We are not going to Beijing to represent the US. Our ultimate goal of winning the Paralympic Sailing Trials in October was not realized. Most people like goals because they can be understood and easily shared. People fixate on the goal when the benefits are in the journey. A goal is just a means to a journey.

The obvious conclusion about our campaign is that we failed. I won't argue this fact with the results from the trials, but I will counter that it is possible to fail and still be successful.

I'm willing to bet that you consider yourself a fairly successful person in life. Perhaps you're married, have kids, or own a business. Not too shabby, I'd say you've had a great life up until this point. Let's imagine that your success continues until you die at a ripe old age. Now, if I were to judge your success based on the end results, death, I could argue that you failed in life.

Goals are good, they help guide the journey. The important part is not to lose sight of the journey.

It's worth taking chances in life, giving birth to new experiences. There are always lessons to be learned and journeys to be enjoyed.

There are a lot of other things I learned too. Like the willingness of others to help. Or the difference you can make in a person’s life.

During the campaign I was often asked why. Why take on such a monumental task? What purpose does it serve? The answer lies not in the goal itself, but the journey. I learned that the campaign was as much rewarding to me as it was inspiring to others.

I campaigned for a sport that I love, and raised money for my goal. I wasn't raising money for charity, curing cancer, or eliminating poverty. But my campaign had a positive impact on the community. It brought the good out of people, brought people together, and invigorated life for some.

Team Eagle has been a positive experience. We will continue this amazing journey for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. And I will incorporate lessons learned during this campaign to make a richer experience for all who want to take part.

Thank you for all the support!

Team Eagle will continue to accept tax-deductible donations for our continued training, albeit, lighter regatta schedule.