Success Is When Preparation Meets Opportunity

It has been just about a month since the Kentucky Derby and the dramatic come-from-behind victory of Rich Strike. If you haven't witnessed it yet, take a minute (or two) to click on that link and watch the race. Let's take a moment to reflect on what we can all can learn from this stunning win. The journey can be summed up by know yourself and trust the process.

If you look at this race as a metaphor for each of us in our work life or in setting goals—there is much we can learn. So many people keep talking about the “horse that came from nowhere,” when, in fact, Rich Strike more-or-less maintained a steady pace from the moment the gates opened. It was not a case where Rich Strike suddenly sped up; the other horses (and riders) started too fast, used up their energy and slowed down, while Rich Strike kept his pace and his goals steady right through to victory.  The race got off to quick start, one of the fastest starts for the quarter-mile, half-mile and three-quarter-mile splits, all the while Rich Strike ran his own race.

While Rich Strike and jockey Sonny Leon did make some calculated moves as they navigated the crowded field, this race is an example of staying true to who you are and running your own race. There were ZERO expectations heaped upon Rich Strike (80-1 longshot). In fact, he was not entered into the race until 5 p.m. on Friday, the last possible moment. Rich Strike was brought in to fill the field when another horse could not start and allowed the famed race to go on as scheduled. There were no expectations or stress placed upon the horse and when the opportunity presented itself, he was prepared to run.

Even when Rich Strike trailed the whole field, Sonny Leon did not give up on him; they teamed according to their preparation and kept the pace steady and strong right across the finish line. Consistency and dedication to the goal are what ultimately guided Rich Strike to victory.

This underdog tale ties back to our ongoing theme of identifying our core values and improving ourselves as we continue to strive toward our goals. Rich Strike and Sonny Leon allowed all their training and planning to coalesce into one unforgettable race that defied the odds. All they needed was the opportunity.

While most of our everyday mindfulness practice and goal setting is not as public or as prestigious as winning the Kentucky Derby, we can still incorporate the four pillars of stress management (Mindfulness, Meditation, Gratitude and Exercise) into our daily lives as we fully realize our own bloom.

Get out and enjoy June, find time to rest, reflect and perhaps add a physical activity (a run or walk) for a good cause to your plans. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I am grateful for each one of you!