But no life is always wine and roses.
Into every life, a little failure must fall. This weekend, in particular, was a win some / lose some kind of weekend. Friday was epic. Saturday morning was an epic fail. Friday I took home a medal for 3rd female in the CFC 5k. Saturday I received notice that my research paper did not win an award I was seeking.
Friday I was thinking:
"Hooray! I won third place!"
Saturday my thoughts were clouded by:
"Second place is the first loser."
Important side note: I have always HATED that phrase about second place.
But for the first time, I finally understand it. (Note: it is not lost on me that I was tickled pink to be third in one event, but bummed for second in another. In running, third place is still medal-place. In research awards, you don't get to put "almost-but-not-quite" on your resume.)
Fortunately, as with races, there are plenty more conferences to attend and awards to compete for.
And, as with races, I had better start putting my game plan together right now to be ready for the next one.
So I'm off to start plotting my next research project!
How do you deal with disappointing news? Do you sulk? Start planning your next attempt? Find a different hobby to distract you? All of the above?
