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. – Theodore Roosevelt

This quote is one that never gets to me.

I was reminded of it again when listening to an audiobook that described two different mentalities: the victim and the player.

I am guessing we have all heard a variation of this.

I really liked the idea of the “player” though.

Having played sports and being a somewhat competitive person it reminded of all that is good about competition.

Doing your best, regardless of the circumstance.

Competing fairly and with honor.

Risking the agony of defeat in exchange for a chance at a glimpse of greatness.

Roosevelt’s quote and the author of the book both remind me that in order to get the most out of life, I have to get in the middle of it. I have to play the game. I have to get in there and get some dirt on me.

Are you a player?

Make it a great day.

Jake