Scott Ragsdale

I am laying in bed in a small hotel somewhere in the middle of gorgeous Austria.

The weather in the south of france right now is perfect.

Sophie stayed at home this weekend to relax by the pool…while I woke up at 4am this morning to catch a small commuter jet at 6:00… to arrive to Munich, Germany … and then struggled to find my train which I then rode for 2 hours to Austria…. where it rained the entire day and is scheduled to do the same tomorrow….

…and I am here in Austria just so I can test myself and swim 6 hours non stop tomorrow morning in a 55 F degree lake.

Irronically, I had a comment today asking me to explain/do a blog on ”why” I have set the goal to swim the english channel?

Which reminded me of a discussion I have had off and on for the past 10 years with the Voice of Reason…. who thinks that all too often goals are set without being fundamentally grounded in “why” it is a goal.

His question is always the same: “Big or small, should not a goal be rooted in some type of value-based process?”

He has asked me numerous times…

Why do I want to do more ironmans?
Why do I want to travel to 120 countries?”
Why do I want to swim the english channel?

I keep telling him, if we think too much about why we want to do something, i.e. why we set a certain goal, we will end up just sitting around thinking about it – and possibly not go about trying to make the goal happen.

Surely, our biggest goals have an immutable “why” to them, but its never that simple — example,  “Achievement” is what drives me, but, my goal of traveling to 120 different countries has only to do with my love of adventure.

Furthermore….

If I sat around trying to figure out and understand exactly, why I have certain goals … I could easily talk myself out of trying to achieve them.

Even if one maps out and understands clearly why they want to achieve something — it is meaningless to set a goal  if one does not do everything in their power to achieve the goal.

I suggest going after a goal, and doing everything in ones power to achieve – even if one fails,  in the end, it’s still better than sitting around at a cafe thinking about “why” they should be setting the goal.

As for me ….

why am I sitting in a small chalet style of hotel somewhere in the middle of Austria getting ready to swim 6 hours in the rain in the coldest lake in this country…training for my attempt to swim the english channel in 7 weeks … why am doing this??  Why do I want to attempt to swim the english channel??????

I can make up some politically correct BS answer…

But to be completely honest -

I am doing this for the ”finishers photo.”

“It’s very easy to let the drudgery of climbing distract you from your goal….”  Adam Fletcher

I went to boarding school for three years with Chipper Jones … who today is one of the best baseball players in MLB. He has played for the Atlanta Braves for his entire career, broken many records, won the National League MVP, won a world series, earns 17 million dollars a year salary … and without question will end up in the hall of fame.

I think it is worth noting that Chipper signed a contract when he was first drafted in 1990 which several agents and players complained was not big/good enough. Many people claimed Chipper signed for too little money.

I remember reading a quote by Chipper – although he was just 18 years old at the time, I admired him for his maturity — he said something like: “my goal is not to be the highest paid player in the minor leagues … my goal is to play professional baseball.” (8 years later he would sign one of the biggest contracts ever in baseball)

Chipper did not rush to his summit.

Instead of rushing to the majors (like I would have wanted to do if I had been in his place), Chipper spent 4.5 years in the minor leagues preparing/training/developing for the day he would be sent to the big leagues.

Back in 1990, the same year Chipper was drafted 1st — another young, up and coming super talent was drafted 4th overall pick …. Todd van Poppel. Van Poppel was expected to become the next great pitcher, maybe even the greatest ever and I remember him being on the cover of several sports magazines.

Van Poppel’s agents fought to ensure he went to the big leagues as soon as possible – and fought and fought with the team that drafted him to ensure he made as much money as possible upon signing.

He rushed to his summit.

A few years later …. no one remembers Todd van Poppel because he went to the majors very quickly, ended up getting injured, bounced from team to team for a few years and retired completely unfulfilling what was expected from his talent.

Recently, I watched a documentary on Mt. Everest — the film was about the 1996 tragedy on Mt. Everest where eight people died.

The night of the tragedy … David Breashears – the man who filmed the documentary discussed how he and his team were at camp 3 … all set to go for the summit, everything seemed good – he commented that the weather was good — just a bit windy, but no sign of a storm coming.

However, they decided not to rush to the summit …. he commented that he and his team leader looked down the mountain and saw 65 people climbing up and they did not want to be in a position where they were coming down from the summit at the same time as so many people were climbing up.

So he and his team walked back down to base camp and put off their summit climb for another 10 days — and missed the storm that killed 8 people.

He made a point of stating to the interviewer that he and his team were not “lucky” for turning away and missing the storm — they were “consistent, prudent and focused.”

Unfortunately, 8 people died that night.

I would have been one of those that would have been in trouble stuck near the top, maybe even one that died because I would have wanted to get to the top as soon as possible.

I think many people — me included, sometimes start a climb … but when we do not see immediate results…. we quit, or break our consistency.

…trying to rush to the summit too quickly, sometimes forces us to make mistakes and ultimately we fall.

Losing weight; learning another language; developing into a leader; achieving ones goals…. does not happen over night.

Instead of rushing to the top of your mountain; or goal ….stay “consistent and focused.”

Even if success does not come right away … surely, by staying consistent and focused one has a better chance of getting to their summit.

Next time you are about to quit your climb … remember that the man at the top did not run there.

and never forget that some of the best things in life are the hardest to get.

….although I am in the south of france …. like nearly all of America, for the past week or so I have been captivated by the sheer force of focus the American media has put on a 25 year old basketball player … as this player decided where he would play next season.

I have been captivated because I don’t understand how & why this commands so much attention and interest. 

Like 99.9999% of the people in America, whether he plays in Cleveland or Miami has zero impact on my life, job, family, and overall existence.

 Before I continue …consider this:

The guy is 25 years old and went straight from high school to the NBA where within 7 years has become one of the greatest players in NBA history.

He has lived his entire life in Ohio …

Now he has the opportunity to live in New York City, Chicago, Miami, or Cleveland.

Regardless of money, more sponsorship opportunities, incomparable market place and overall life style … lets be completely, honest…. Where would you choose to live? 

The Cavs owner called LBJ “spoiled” and “narcissistic” …

Of course Lebron is spoiled and narcissitic… he is 25 years old worth 100s of millions of dollars; the media all over america entirely focuses on him - even the President of United States said 7 times throughout the week “I hope King James goes to Chicago…” 

the truth is…

American culture,  the fans and Dan Gilbert are the ones who have created this “spoiled, narcissist …”

 … but who am I/who are we to give any input on where a 25 year old NBA star wants to live and play basketball? 

Lastly…

Why do so many people live vicariously through celebrities, sports stars, movie stars, etc? 

…don’t waste your time and energy living someones elses life — make your own life happen.

Where is John Galt?

As you go through your day today, notice how many times you are aggressed/assaulted and pushed back by senseless negativity from people in our lives- my reference to ”people” includes all types, including the media.

The world markets are struggling not to fall apart …. unemployment in America is climbing in just about every state….
Oil is gushing nonstop in the gulf of mexico ….without question, 10,000′s of people who relied on tourism, fishing, etc have been hugely affected by this oil spill ….  yet american media focuses our attention on Lindsay Lohan.

Each time I post a blog attempting to battle the negatives in the media, naseba’s marketing director tells me with a smile on his face:  the media is just supplying what is demanded…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I posted this blog 13 months ag0 – but it sets the tone for tomorrow’s post, thus I re-post today.

(repost from May 2009)

Yesterday, I saw on CNN.com a headline, the 4th headline news article (this is no joke) “are some sexual toys harmful to your health?”

Today a few headlines on CNN:

3rd headline: “Hulk Hogan: I totally understand O.J.” a story where he says he understands why OJ killed his ex-wife

5th headline: “unlikely singing sensation eyes date with queen” this story is not worth commenting on

6th headline: “cuddly robot seal impacts the lives of elderly.” I didnt waste my time to read this story

1st headline: North Korea poses real threat to the world (Lets be honest – the reality is that Guam is about as much of a threat to the world as North Korea)

Other headlines: there is a graphic (although entertaining) video of a 911 call where we get to hear a woman screaming on the phone about a drunk man who was trying to break into her home, then we get to hear her husband shoot and kill the drunk man all on the headline video.

There is not one story on the greatness in man.

Yesterday, I saw a small article in the news about Isiah Thomas accepting to become the Head Coach of a tiny, almost non existent college basketball team at FIU in Miami.

Isiah Thomas is a NBA hall of fame player turned coach who had 3 very successful years coaching the Indian Pacers to the playoffs, 3 years in a row during the period he was the head coach.

Then he got hired as the General Manager and Head Coach of the New York Knicks, had a great beginning, but from what I have read, Isiah had a very difficult time managing/coaching mega spoiled baby super star athletes who did not work as hard as he expected them.

He lasted two years before resigning; he was probably forced out.

It is worth noting that when Isaih Thomas was a professional, super star NBA basketball player, he was never in the news for getting into trouble; he is not covered in tatoo’s and never had an asshole haircut.

He just performed.

… many months after he resigned from the Knicks, he recently turns down two other NBA head coaching jobs, but accepts to coach a tiny, almost non existent college basketball team in Miami – FIU.

But it gets better — he announced yesterday, he is donating his 1st years salary back to the University who just hired him.

A great, inspirational story which is not even in the headlines on ESPN.com right now; it is not even mentioned on the first page of the CNN sport site.

HOWEVER….

I guarantee …. IF Isiah had accidently, run over a pit bull puppy with his car while driving, he would be commanding headline news/breaking news coverage for his cruelty to animals.

Furthermore….

Another great story, I never heard about — the Voice of Reason sent me 3 emails telling me to blog about it, but it wasnt until his 3rd email that i finally read the story …

The story of another sports hero, this time in the NFL, James Harrison …

Harrison was drafted in 2003 and made $5,000, but was cut from the Steelers — over his career, he was cut 3 times by the Steelers and once by the Ravens (4 times he was told he was not good enough for the NFL), but he believed in himself and kept fighting.

Last year, Harrison was named the NFL Defensive Player of the year – he also had the longest interception return in super bowl history and starred on the team who won the super bowl.

He recently, signed a new contract worth $51.5 million which guarantees him 20 million dollars.
He earned less than 800,000 dollars a year over the past 4 years – so suddenly, he is extremely, wealthy.

Harrison’s response to his big contract was “I want to make them proud and not let them down ….. this is what is going to drive me.” And the article I read comments that he was back in the weight room training two days after the super bowl victory.

The story I refer to above – it didnt make headline news — in fact, it never came close to being headline news worthy.

Why would we want to hear a story about a man who gets cut 4 times in the NFL, but never quits — ultimately, becoming the best defensive player in the game, wins a super bowl, has the longest interception in the super bowls history – and is back in the gym training two days after the super bowl…he gets rewarded with a $51.5 million contract — and his response is to say how grateful he is the the Steelers – and that he doesnt want to let them down….this story is not interesting …

its much more interesting to read about Madonna trying to adopt a couple of Nigerian babies.

Although Harrison’s greatness did not command headline news last week — the super star Terrel Owens made the headlines for not showing up to practice…

I guarantee, IF Harrison had been pulled over by some white cop in Alabama and discovered to be driving his Ford Explorer with expired registration, it would command headline news.

Seriously …

why don’t we ever hear stories on the greatness in man in the news today?

Who really gives a F…. about “a robot seal helping the elderly?”

How does this news item have any positive impact on anyone?

Although I completely understand Hulk Hogan’s sentiment, in his headline worthy article he discusses that he is not allowed into his 20,000 SQF home (which he paid for) and a 19 year old is driving his $75,000 car (which he paid for) as well as sleeping with his ex-wife whose only claim to fame was marrying the Hulk and riding on his success, thus Hulk mentions in the article he understands why OJ killed his wife.

BUT why does this negativity command the 3rd headline news story on CNN.com today?

What does it say about the world we live in today (or maybe I should say what does it say about America) when what readers are more interested in reading/hearing about are dangerous sex toys; people killing people with guns; teachers having sex with 13 year olds (one story recently was about a 13 year old sleeping with two different teachers in the same school and neither teacher knew about the other); movie star break ups; stories on the failures of man ….. instead of wanting to read/hear about stories on the greatness in man.

Where is John Galt?

Sophie and I were in Amsterdam for two days in the beginning of last week …. (easy 90 minute direct flight from Nice)

Our last night there, we had dinner with a close friend of ours who wanted to (as he put it) “share someone special with you guys” and to introduce us to his best friend since childhood, Henry.

Our friend is in his late 50’s so I assume his friend is also in his late 50s or early 60s.

The dinner was at our friends home which is an hour gorgeous drive outside Amsterdam.

Amazing home.

Henry met us at the door when we arrived, and treated Sophie and I as if we were his special guests.
He was extremely well dressed,  the best dressed  out of everyone.  He walked with a cane, but he walked so smoothly, I wondered if he really needed the cane or not.

Anyways…

I sat next to him at dinner and spent most of the evening with him because he had a lot of interest in discussing my vegan diet, ironman training and my other adventures, especially my swim across the English channel.

Throughout the evening he smiled and radiated happiness –  he didnt say anything which was remotely negative.
I assumed by the way he carried himself he was in great health – to be honest, I never even considered his health.

Henry made us all laugh with his jokes and happy go lucky demeanor during the dinner.

We talked a lot about my swim across the English channel – he showed so much interest in my swim that I invited him to come on the crew boat which will go with me as I attempt the swim in September.

But he said with a big grin on his face:   “I might have an important trip to take before” and pretended to look through his diary which he had in his sports jacket pocket…. Henry and our friend laughed a lot at this joke.  I didn’t understand what was so funny and assumed he just didn’t want to go.

After dinner, we all sat around talking until around midnight – maybe Sophie and I got back to our hotel by 1:30am … we talked about Henry the entire drive back to the hotel.

I really looked forward to seeing him again.

Early yesterday morning…  around 6 am, Giovanna (my 6 year old) and I walked down to the boulangerie  (baker) near my home in La Turbie to get fresh bread for breakfast.

The weather was perfect – but the first thing the woman behind the counter said to me, even before the perfunctory “bonjour” was:  ”it’s hot….”

I never pay attention to this senesless negativity, ordered my bread, paid and left … on the walk back home Giovanna asked me:  ”papa why did that woman say it’s hot … it’s not hot at all. It’s still dark outside.”
(in French its much funnier)

I explained to Giovanna that most probably the woman had nothing else to say, and to fill the space she says “it’s hot.”
Giovanna mumbled to herself something in French about the woman being ridiculous… (even a 6 year old understands)

Maybe 15 minutes later ….

After Gio and I had made our toast together and taken Sophie her breakfast, I  sat down in my chair with my coffee & toast and logged onto my computer which opened with facebook.

I do not promote my blog on facebook, thus I am not sure if and how many of the 91 friends I have on FB read this blog …so I am not sure whose feelings I might be hurting, but….

The first several “status updates” by various friends, most of whom I have not seen since high school, are all negative comments or ramblings.

a few examples:

“I don’t want to go to work tomorrow!!!”
“ I ate too much ice cream!”
“I woke up in the middle of the night and could not fall back to sleep WTF”
“my kids have to go to the doctor tomorrow…”
“I feel sick, maybe I have food poisoning?”

As I am wadding through the muck of moaning, negativity … thinking to myself: “what is the use of telling your friends you dont want to go to work…”??? Sophie comes down stairs with her mobile phone in her hand and tells me with a dazed look on her face: “Henry died last night.”

My first response was “who is Henry?” … but as soon as the question came out, I remembered he’s the nice man we had dinner with less than a week ago.

A man whom I just enjoyed a dinner with less than 6 days ago died???

We later learned that Henry had terminal cancer and knew he was going to die very soon –but he remained a beacon of positivity focused on the good in life,  so positive and upbeat —  we now understand what our friend meant by “I want to share someone special with you.”

Sophie went back up stairs and I looked back down at my laptop …. and went back to reading through all the whining, moaning…. status updates by various friends of mine.

Then I thought of my grandparents….

My Grandmother is 88 years old and my Granddad is 94 years old.  In my entire life, I have never once heard them say a negative word — never once have I heard them say “its hot” “i am tired” “i dont feel good” etc.  I have never heard them complain or say a negative word about anyone or anything.  Surely, their positivity is why they have lived such long fullfilled lives.

Perfectly stoic and focused on the positives in life, very much like Henry.

Henry had terminal cancer — Instead of spending the rest of his time feeling sorry for himself, he made the most of it – and remained positive until the end, celebrating life.

It puts things into a perspective.

… meeting someone who knows he has terminal cancer; knows he is going to die very soon, but remains positive and upbeat until the end (doesn’t even tell you he is sick)….at least for me, this person is very inspiring.

The world we live in today…

all the moaning, complaining, feel sorry for ourselves platforms …

Seriously — notice today how many people bitch about something; how many people focus on something negative vs how many people focus on something positive.

Why has the world become this way?
Why do so many people go through life feeling sorry for themselves?

…..unfortunately, I didn’t ask Henry if he knew where John Galt is living.