Why the Arena?

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

--Excerpt from "Citizens in a Republic," Theodore Roosevelt, 1910


I've always loved this quote - it speaks to anyone who has fought hard to achieve something, whether or not they won.  It's a beautiful description of how a life of purpose feels - and each time I read it it brings tears to my eyes.  This quote took on new meaning when I saw it on the wall of my grandpa's office shortly after he passed away.  I didn't really know my grandpa, yet he was my hero.  I knew enough about his professional accomplishments to admire him.  I knew enough of his athletic ability to know that I had athletic genes.  I knew enough of his standards to understand that he would never be proud of anything other than my best. That's all I needed to know for him to be my hero, and for him to inspire me to achieve things I might not have otherwise considered.  I think that's what a hero is fundamentally, someone who can set an example of what's possible.


This blog is a project to investigate and understand the limits and capabilities of individuals individually and collectively to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them.  Success is not an overnight phenomenon, it's a result of showing up every day to do the best you can on that day.  It's the combined efforts of a community to improve the way its members approach their lives.  Most importantly, it's individually defined - to succeed, you must know what you consider success. 


My writing will be at times introspective, at times retrospective, and always honest.  I believe there is too little authenticity in the world today - by focusing on appearances, people too seldom show up as they are, and these artificial fronts weaken everyone - only through honest evaluation can anyone ever know where they stand, and where they can go.  Everyone sees the world through their own interpretation - I see a world of limitless possibilities.  I see potential in everyone I meet, and if possible, I want to help people achieve that potential.  And, having spent my life trying to make the most of my own potential, I want to share my thoughts in case anyone has interest in reading them.


I am an athlete and a professional. I've experienced great success and great failure.  I've always considered myself a [wo]man in the arena.  I hope that sharing my life and my experiences will be a blessing to anyone who reads this.