Our newspapers, websites and television channels are celebrating major wins in the Olympics….. But there seems to be a disproportionate emphasis in our media on failure by Canadians (i.e., medals projected, but not won).

So let’s consider life in general and how we would view success if we only focused on statistics. The mantra might sound something like this:

You can’t do it. Look at the facts.
You aren’t smart enough. Look at past marks.
You aren’t talented enough. Accept reality.
You cannot achieve it. The numbers are against you.
You will never win. The odds are against you.
You should consider the history. It cannot be done.
You will never learn it. Look at the past.
You can’t do it. Look at the facts….

The only statistics that can truly stop you in any endeavour are the statistics you accept as TRUE. Remember, statistics never measure HEART, DESIRE, BELIEF, DETERMINATION, DECISIVENESS, FOCUS, or PERSONAL RESOLVE.

In my 25 years in education I have come into close contact with and observed thousands of students. In the end, my advice to students is simple: Believe in your capacity to achieve. Your resolve will overshadow all statistics. Only then can you truly succeed.
As a healthy reminder, allow me to share a short and poignant poem by American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. I try and share this poem annually with students. Note, Emerson doesn’t emphasize statistics at all….

What is success?

What is Success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.

Go forth and succeed LCC! —Chris Shannon, Headmaster