Essentials of rewards

As I am moving ever so assiduously through the challenges of our WA program of certification, and being immersed in the experiences of my fellow workers in the WA vineyards through their shared writings and blogs, I reflect on the meaning of "rewards" and measures of achievement.

Sometimes I believe that we place too much emphasis on the outcomes of achievement and not enough on its process. And that has become problematic for those of us who have been involved in sport or other competition. In effect, and in truth, we have become affixed on the victory and not on the competition -- on "winning" and not on "playing".

I am in the process of writing a book and I have two and a half chapters to go.My publisher has been patient with me as I explained that momentarily I am engaged in developing an online business here at WA.

The book is entitled Philosophy of American Sport: A Quest for Virtue. There has never been written another volume on this subject and as it was the topic for my latest dissertation I capitalized on it for publication. The Carolina Academic Press has given me a very nice contract and I WILL finish it just as soon as I complete ALL the certification courses for WA.

I share the book venture with you only because it serves the purpose of dissecting "victory" and "competition".

You see, we Americans have come to prize "winning" over competition and participation.

All this has been intended to lead my readers to an axiom which is fundamental to entrepreneurship in our WA quests. This appellation was uttered by my venerated grandfather from South Georgia who raised me.

Whenever I became so embroiled in a contest that "winning" became my driving force, he would take me aside and in that deep Southern drawl, he's say,"Ahthuh [that was me in his accent], y'know the only real r'ward for doin' a good job is the oppatunity to go out and repeat it!"

How often I reflect on that simple phrase engrained in me with a revered, almost spiritual tone.

...and I recall it today as I read all the wonderful achievements my fellow WA members are amassing.

And I believe we WILL go out and repeat them...time and time again!

It is, after all, that which drives true entrepreneurs.

Press On!