08/05/2026
Set Your EYES on The Prize! LONG Before the Race~ No Compromise!
“THIS is the one I’m going to win!”
A young Boy Scout walked up to the Trophy table at his Pinewood Derby competition. After examining each of the trophies, he pointed to the largest, shiniest one and told his grandmother, “THIS is the one I’m going to win!” Not to discourage him, knowing he’s the youngest contestant with the least experience, she replied, “Great, Zachary! I’ll agree with you on that!”
Having taught Gifted and Talented kids, she knew the odds. She also knew the experience would teach and impact Zack more than anything she said. He can win that largest trophy IF he has designed, tested, weighed, and prepared every required component of his car for the pressure and speed of …The Ramp!
Zack had watched his dad help his brother design and build cars for the last few years as a Cub Scout. He had listened intently to their explanations of speed, streamline resistance, weight of wheels, even paint. He had built his own car and knew how specific each step had to be. In his young heart and mind, he had confidence in what a winning car should be.
The night of the competition, Zack had brought his actual car from the “winning” design and construction he had produced. He was no longer concerned with what he had to do to “Win.” There would be several “Winners” for various features that night. As he stepped up to the Trophy table, in his young mind, he had not only evaluated the requirements for winning. Zack was committed to winning the First Place Trophy! He was after 1st Place! Over several years of experience, he had listened, focused, examined, tested, and learned what a1st Place Winner had to accomplish. His was not an emotional “Wish I could win This trophy!” Zack’s was a calculated, tested, evaluated confidence, “Hey Grammy, THIS is the one I’m Going to WIN!” And Zachary Won that 1st Place Trophy that night!
So many times in life, we set our eyes on some tremendous reward, believing we can and should win! “Maybe I’ll be Lucky!” We imagine winning, driving it, wearing it, and enjoying it, only to be disheartened and very discouraged when someone else walks away with it.
Dreams don’t come true because you are Lucky. Dreams should be foundational to a desire in your heart. We construct Goals on purpose out of that desire. Our deep passion to achieve is fueled by setting our eyes on a prize.
Young David did not set out to kill Goliath because he enjoyed slaying giants. He had asked King Saul what his prize would be if he slew Goliath. The King promised David immense riches, the Princess as his wife, and family exemption from taxes. Still, David was only as successful as the experience he brought to the battlefield. His skills were impeccable at throwing specific size stones at animate objects. He had full confidence in his calculations and ex*****on of a sling shot.
Awards are given through calculated criteria which measure required discipline, research, instruction, materials, practices, excellence, and even passion. Life is a Long series of competitions. Before we enter an audition, try out for a sports team, a Job interview, complete a Scholarship application, whatever we are going after, it is critical to understand that luck and wishing are not enough. Yes, people are wired differently. There are elements of natural talent, physical and emotional maturity, which add to our chances of winning. However, being 1st Place, the Best, should go to those who have “Set Their Eyes on The Prize long before the Awards are set on display.
