This past week, history has been in the making on two fronts. First, the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi—and what an Olympics it’s been. Then history was also made when Jimmy Fallon took over The Tonight Show and brought it back to New York City. It has been an exciting stretch in sports and comedy.
My good friend George Wunderlich, director of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, says studying history matters so civilization can learn from what we did right and what we did wrong.
That same idea applies to our personal lives. If I may, I’d like to suggest we take time from our hectic schedules to process lessons from life and from history-making stories.
In honor of Jimmy Fallon and our U.S. Olympians—with the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat—I’d like to write a few Jimmy Fallon–style thank-you notes. Setting aside humor and sarcasm, let’s thank Jimmy and our Olympians and see what life lessons they offer.
Thank you…
- … Shaun White, men’s snowboard halfpipe Olympian, for reminding us that one bad day does not define a career.
- … Bode Miller, alpine skiing men’s Super-G bronze medalist, for reminding us that it is natural—and important—to show our emotions.
- … Noelle Pikus-Pace, women’s skeleton silver medalist, for reminding us there is no “I” in team, even in a solo sport.
- … Meryl Davis and Charlie White, ice dance gold medalists, for modeling an extraordinary work ethic: seventeen years of partnership and hard work.
- … Emily Scott, short-track speed skater, for showing that when you have a dream and a goal, ask for help. A network of people is often waiting to help you succeed.
- … Maddie Bowman, women’s ski halfpipe gold medalist, for paying tribute to Sarah Burke, a pioneer of women’s halfpipe. You reminded us to acknowledge those who went before us and modeled the way.
- … the U.S. Olympic team—all 230 athletes—for showing that focus, hard work, and determination matter for any goal, large or small.
And one more:
- … Jimmy Fallon, for showing that the “guy next door” can make big dreams come true. If you can do it, we can too—and have fun along the way.
I encourage you to look intentionally for lessons whenever and wherever they appear. Use them to enrich your life and to motivate your dreams. Your life will be richer—and you may leave a better mark on the people around you.