The interviews made me think about my time as an MBA student, and the interviews that I underwent just to be considered for the program. I was 38 years old, and at the top of my game, or so I thought. I had studied very long and hard for the GMAT; completed every essay and interview just the best that I possibly could. Back at work, I was considered a "rising star". Yes, I was accepted to the Univ of Washington Executive MBA program, but just barely.
Big fish, small pond...then I learned of much larger ponds, even lakes, for which I didn't feel all that big.
Another time that I felt this Big Fish phenomenon was back in high school and college.
It was a time that I was on top...heck, it's hard to keep track of the honors and awards from those early years:
- State Champion High Jumper
- Homecoming Queen
- Salutatorian of our graduating class
- Drum Major for the marching band
- High School All-American for the state of Oregon
Pretty cool, huh? Now lets apply a frame of reference:
- Graduating class of 47
- City of 20,000
All of that being said, I did get into a major University and made the Track team. Here is when this Big Fish learned about small ponds. These athletes had come OSU to compete from all over the world. Their strong, lithe bodies possessed abilities where mine paled in comparison.
So, what is to be learned?
No matter the pond, lake, or ocean where we play...there is always one that is larger. Feel good about yourself and know that one must continue to learn and improve.
