Here’s a fun way to bring a spring back in your step. Ask yourself, what was your most embarrassing moment in your past? How significant is it now? I’ve had a whole bunch of embarrassing moments, but the one that stands out most was at the end of my sophomore year at the University of Illinois.
I was sitting in an Urbana movie theater watching the James Bond movie “Goldfinger.” In my back pocket was a formal letter from the University informing me I could not return for my junior year. In my mind it was saying, “Don, you stupid jerk, you flunked out.” No doubt I deserved it. I was seldom in class – or even in the state of Illinois – during my sophomore year. I had more romantic and adventuresome activities on my agenda.
But all of a sudden, it hit me hard. I had two cans of Budweiser in my front coat pockets and a tub of buttered popcorn in my lap. They didn’t help. I was crying, thinking about being a total failure and letting my parents down, being considered a fool by my friends who were going to prestigious Universities and matriculating with honors and poor Don, having no idea where I could hide out for the rest of my life.
James Bond saved me. He was super cool and confident. I finished my beer and popcorn and walked out the door thinking I could only move up.
I did. Flunking out was the shot of failure I needed. For the most part, I’ve been riding high ever since.
Tell me your story.