Wednesday, August 3, 2011

On the Expedition's Success or Failure

In any endeavor we assume, it is natural that we seek success. It is inevitable, however, that whenever we challenge ourselves, failure becomes a possibility or option. Some like to convince themselves in a rather "holywoodish" way that failure is not an option. In reality, failure almost always is, and in many cases statistically speaking the prepoderant option- be it in business, sports ... Just ask sports figures, where in any given tournament, there usually is one champion, and the rest for all intents and purposes not. But are the rest failures? I mean is a 65 year old marathon runner who finishes the race rank 1000th a failure? Is the US women's soccer team, which was beaten by Japan in the final of the women's world cup a failure? Was the Appolo 13 mission a failure? What about finishing runner-up in a science project at school? ...  I tend to think the success gauge so often used itself seems rather irrelevant. Success to me has always been measured by whether or not one tries something, not necessarily by the actual outcome, which may depend on factors too exogenous for anyone to control, including mind you good old dumb luck (or lack there of) ...


And so when I think about the daunting effort required for the Walking Lebanon Expedition, success will be attained by the simple fact that the team will be trying it. Nothing more and nothing less counts in my book. Perhaps I am naturally too curious a person and too skeptical (even of myself) not to ask for solid proof of my own abilities and will try my utmost to reach the objective we have set ourselves. Admittedly though in my life so far I have failed in too many things to mention; but I have also done fairly well in others. Upon remenescing, however, it seems that the actual attempt and effort it took is what I derive the greatest pleasure from. I cannot but feel sorry for the what-might-have-beens-but-never-dared-to-try folks because they may be missing out on all the fun implied in simply trying!


The Walking Lebanon Expedition will be a success because the team will be trying it, regardless of any other factor or outcome. While this thought is comforting, one thing is clear: I am looking very much forward to looking behind at our last step taken in the expedition upon reaching Marja'youn ... and the pleasure that will be derived from remeniscing about all those steps and paces it took to ultimately reach it ...


WY

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