I was reflecting today how often my desires to be the first or best at something aren’t always helpful. Let me share a story from my past.

I was interviewing for a job that seemed like it would be perfect for me. I did my best, but I wasn’t chosen. A little while later I see the job listed on the job board again. I apply and this time I interviewed and chosen. I ask the interviewer what happened to the first guy, and he said that due to a legal matter with the subcontracted company, they no longer provided services and he had to leave. So if I had been chosen first, I would have quickly had to leave due to legal issues with the subcontractor and no fault of my own.

Sometimes being someones second choice is the better option.