Success Lessons from Runner Up Presidents

Laura

February 17

Monday's President's Day takes on special significance since this year is a presidential election year. Every four years a bunch of people throw their hats in the ring and one at a time they're whittled down until we've got the final two (or few) who end up on the ballot for the final choice, only one of which will end up with the opportunity/responsibility of being president. And in 4 years that person may or may not be reelected to serve a second term (less than half get that second term). What it really looks like is there are a whole bunch of people who are losers when it comes to being president.

Which is true, but at the same time while they may not have won the big prize (as it might be considered), there's still a lot they can be proud of and a lot they can say they accomplished, certainly more than most of us can say. No one should enter the campaign if they're not serious about getting to the end and being president, but knowing the direction that many people's trip to the White House takes, if you don't have a nuanced perspective about it all you'll ever see is people being losers. While in reality these people have stood up and said that they believe they have what it takes to run a country and lead a big group of people. They believe they bring something to the table that others don't, and they have the campaign (resources and publicity) to back it up. These people are willing to put it all on the line and give it their best shot, knowing that the probably aren't going to get to the White House but they're willing to try anyway.

Without their courage I bet the list of presidents would be a lot different and not necessarily in a good way. Sometimes the most important lessons when it comes to success are found in the failures, and sometimes, the failures in and of themselves aren't as bad as some make them out to be. It's not just about looking on the bright side or finding the good in every situation or experience, it's being honest with yourself that life comes with just as many downs as ups usually, so either you find a way to work with and maybe even thrive through the downs or you spend a good chunk of time not being happy or productive. In my mind life is a lot more precious and valuable than to waste a part of life like that.