I attended a Board meeting last week in Jackson Hole. I shared a picture of the fabulous mountains that form the perimeter of Jenny’s Lake. Most meetings do not generate a noteworthy and/or shareable experience. The keynote speaker was Scott Hamilton. I have always admired Hamilton for his Olympic quality prowess as an ice skater and later as a broadcaster. It was inspiring to watch him excel in spite of his stature and early health issues. How could this person do five triple jumps in one program, each with unique names like, the lutz, toe loop, toe walley, and the Salchow.
Hamilton was adopted at an early age and his failure to grow led to years of experimental treatments, he was not the most popular kid in class with a feeding tube sticking out of his nose. He discovered skating and the motivation to succeed began at the age of seven. Hamilton is an excellent speaker and his personal story demonstrates the passion to validate his mother’s prediction, “you will skate in the Olympics one day.” He has a sense of humor and determination that has carried him throughout his battles with cancer, the loss of his mother, the end of his skating career, and his marriage and fatherhood.
I do not want to spoil the read for you, “Finish First, Winning Changes Everything” inspires the reader to realize that failure is the only road to success.
Most of the chapters begin with a quote that sets the context for the chapter. “I cannot discover that anyone knows enough to say definitely what is and what is not possible.” Henry Ford. “Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checked by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory or defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt. Helen Keller reminds us “character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” And the amazing women’s basketball coach, Pat Summitt, says it well, “Winning is fun…sure. But winning is not the point. Wanting to win is the point. Not giving up is the point. Never letting up is the point. Never being satisfied with what you’ve done is the point.” A bit of pontification, maybe. When you realize that Hamilton’s view most of his early career was of the rafters as he picked himself up after another fall, he has earned the right.
Not resting on his laurels. Hamilton and his wife are very engaged in philanthropy with a special interest in helping Haiti. They have adopted two Haitian children and invest time and treasure in an effort to improve the lives of children in that country.
Hats off to Nancy Pelosi for her many years of service and sacrifice for our country. I hope your Thanksgiving celebration is memorable. Mike
Laurels
