A few years ago, I had the opportunity to engage in conversation with astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, who is best known for the Apollo 11 space mission, the first spaceflight that landed humans on the moon. Neil Armstrong was the first to step on the lunar surface and Buzz followed within minutes.
In our discussion, Buzz told me that after that flight he was angry, disappointed, depressed, and frustrated at being labeled number two. It drove him crazy whenever he was introduced as the second man to walk on the moon. This went on for years.
As I listened to him speak, in my mind I heard the words, “You walked on the moon … you walked on the moon … you walked on the moon!”
Then I wondered why being number two made such a difference to a man who achieved something that just about every human, minus a very select few, can only imagine.
I understand the importance of history and that in some situations it’s fun to win and often that place comes with rewards not offered to others. But is being number one the only thing in life? Does nothing else count? Is it so important that we are willing to risk our self-esteem, fulfillment, and ability to move forward?
“Many people look to a prize and when they aren’t the best, they believe they are a failure.”
Listening to Buzz made me wonder if we have lost sight of our journey and accomplishments? Can we see only the prize and nothing else matters?
Unfortunately, I believe that many people look to a prize and when they aren’t the best, whatever that means, they believe they are a failure. And that fear of failing often keeps them stuck in place.
It’s time to start paying attention to the journey and the accomplishments that you make along the way. Yes, you should have ambition and goals, and you must always do your best. But if your best doesn’t make you number one, take a realistic look at all that has been achieved and give yourself a pat on the back.
Would you ever consider Buzz Aldrin a failure?
Buzz admitted that as he got older and learned a thing or two about life, he finally recognized the magnitude of what he achieved and the role he played in making it happen. Neil may have been number one, but he needed number two to get him there.
So, the next time you’re being hard on yourself, remember Buzz and that sometimes number two isn’t such a bad place to be.