Failure as a Catalyst for Success

I just happened to watch a graduation address given by one of my favorite comedians, Conan O’Brien, during the 2011 commencement ceremony at Dartmouth College. As expected, he kept it hilarious and entertaining, but best of all, he gave the students an excellent piece of advice that I couldn’t help but post here. 

It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique.

I can certainly relate to the message above and concur completely. The majority of people do not know what they want to be or do when they grow up; yet, most of them cling to the idea that there is an ideal job, lifestyle, activity out there and that if they reach it, they would be fully accomplished and satisfied. The trouble is the ideal develops by observing others and not necessarily from personal experience. That ideal, or as Conan shrewdly refers to it, that ‘perceived ideal’ is what causes many to succumb to depression and hopelessness. The truth is, unless people attempt themselves a certain activity, there is no way that they can know whether they are good at it and most importantly, whether it makes them happy and helps them feel as if they lead a meaningful existence. 

Therefore, the failure to reach that ideal is not something to languish about. Rather, it is to be accepted as a warning that what we thought would be an ideal situation is not necessarily so once we actually get to experience it. If handled properly, failure can be the impetus for finding one’s true calling. 

 - Krasi

Enjoying Life

Five years ago I made a promise to myself that I will try my best to visit at least one new place every year. I have so far managed to successfully keep this promise. This past week, however, I really outdid myself by visiting three new locations during one 10-day trip. I absolutely enjoyed each one of them and vouched to go back one day. 

The reason I mention my passion for traveling is not to simply brag about my exciting trip (although I can't hide that it was fantastic!:). I am more amazed by the reaction some people give me when I tell them about the trip. There are certain personalities who place the emphasis on the fact that I am so lucky to be able to do it. All I want to tell them is that it has nothing to do with luck, or money, or time. I am a strong believer that if a person wants to do something, then s/he finds a way to accomplish it. And in the big scheme of life, there is really nothing more important than leading a meaningful and enjoyable life. I am certainly no follower of the belief in reincarnation and having the chance to do it all over again so I encourage all to enjoy life now while they have it and while they can. 

It is just sad that so many young people feel bored, anemic, annoyed, dissatisfied and empty. They go through life as if it is a chore. Or worse, they go through current situations dismissing them as an annoyance and convincing themselves that one day, luck will strike and they will enjoy what they think they want, or need. Such a waste of precious time! Didn’t someone famous state that there is no time as the present? The best part is each individual has the power to make it whatever they want it to be.  No one has to wait for the ideal job, or for the ideal family, or for the ideal lifestyle to start living and enjoying life. Seriously, waiting is just a waste of time. 

Anyway, I am certainly not waiting and I try to do what I enjoy as often as I can. And if anyone else is interested in traveling and spending time in the outdoors, below are the places I visited during my trip. I guarantee you’ll find them absolutely phenomenal!

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

 

 Zion National Park, Utah

 

Red Rocks Canyon, Nevada

 

   

   

                     - Krasi