Opportunity Amid Disappointment

I idly observed as my best friend was stripped of his lifelong dream.Before that sounds too dramatic, I need to tone it down. His dream was simply put on hiatus. Allow me to elaborate.

Thursday, August 21st

Just 3 days prior to the 2014 Belgium Grand Prix, the Marussia F1 team made a shocking announcement. American reserve driver Alexander Rossi would replace British driver Max Chilton, becoming the first American to compete in the prestigious racing organization in over 7 years. Chilton had, “...volunteered to step out of his race seat...” Bizarre, but hell, we'll take it!Formula One. The pinnacle of motorsport. The 22 most talented drivers, racing in the most competitive (& expensive) racing series in the world. Alexander Rossi was joining the elite. Opportunity had finally opened the door.

Friday, August 22nd

SLAM! [door closes]During the first morning practice session, disappointing news spread through the paddock. News for me broke via Twitter. It was 1:20am PST. Eyes glued to the screen.NBC reporter, @WillBuxton may have said it best: “Heartache for @AlexanderRossi. It appears that having "voluntarily stepped aside" yesterday, Max Chilton has voluntarily stepped back in.”The F1 community was quick to respond with disbelief, resentment, and accusations. Hell! I was pissed. This is unjust! And I took it personally. How could something of this magnitude simply disappear? Thank God I didn't book the airfare!Absolutely gutted...

My role as the Marussia F1 Team Official Reserve Driver means that I will be asked to step up and also step down at times. I’m confident in myself, my abilities, and the responsibility to be fully prepared to do what the team needs from me. - Alexander Rossi

Zero entitlement, zero disrespect, & zero resentment.I paused. “Man, I have it easy.”The commentators, the fans, and even myself, couldn't understand the power of this statement. Wouldn't it be justified to whine and place blame? Sure... but he didn't.Years of unrelenting fitness, millions of airline miles, suboptimal backmarker teams, and this disappointment — this, this would break a lesser man; however, Rossi is a champion.

Monday, November 17th

46 words.Why has this unusual shortcoming resonated so deeply? What have I learned?Opportunity is not reserved for those of good fortune. It is not entitled, guaranteed, or proven. It will ask you, “...to step up and also step down at times...”Failure cannot break our ambition or dominate our emotion.Alexander Rossi knows that he can win. His confidence endures; these rare circumstances construct a legacy. This would typically be the time for a motivational quote or a success cliché, but there is deeper substance.These tribulations are not only for athletes or celebrities, they happen every day. From missed promotions to a failed start-up, nothing is a "sure thing." Take another look at your last setback, did you handle it professionally? Did you ever feel entitled and have it fall through? Did you act differently because you thought it was a "sure thing?"If you enjoyed this article, please share with your friends and teams. Your comments keep me painstakingly slaving over word choices and paragraphs....until the next door opens.A version of this post originally appeared on LinkedIn.Read more news here.