I know that we don’t want our children’s self esteem stepped on and that is why as a society we have made it a practice to reward children for just participating.  I know I am going to catch slack, but, I do not believe we are doing them any favors by setting them up to go out into the world and expect to be rewarded for mediocrity.  And even as I say that I see adults every day that choose not give their best in their personal and business lives.
I am saddened everyday by the number of people who choose to go through life in mediocrity.  We must stop telling people they are winners when they don’t give their best.  Competition is fierce, you must work hard, give life everything you have to give with the intentions of winning.
I encourage you to live with passion.  Choose to give it all you got.  Teach every child you come in contact with to really give their best.  Show them through your actions what giving your best looks like.  Don’t simply be a participant in your life.
What an incredible feeling when you lay your head on your pillow knowing you played the game well today.  Don’t settle!