I heard about the book Outliers a while back, but haven't had the time to read it until now...  Wow!  I have only perused the chapter on the "10,000 Hour Rule" and it is amazing.  The book gives several examples of greatness achieved via 10,000 hours of consistent hard work.  Not guaranteed greatness, just "more likely" great.  The quest for excellence is a very Conservative ideal.  Not that only Conservatives work hard mind you.  This brings us to the BIG event in Vancouver. The Olympics.  Athletes that have been training for YEARS if not a decade minimum to compete in their sport.  The ultimate in dedication.  A moment when just the littlest of "errors" can cost you a medal.  Leave you empty handed.  Wow.  The pressure must be intense.  A salute to all these athletes that have worked so hard for their moment.  I think one great trait the Army left me with was focus and drive.  The ability to block out the struggle for achievement and the bumps along the way.  There isn't always an alternate path in the Army, or in life.  It is important to block out the toils and focus on the end result.  I have worked towards goals in life that required months of hard consistent work only to meet defeat.  To be an Olympian and meet defeat after years of hard work...  Wow...  To be a soldier and spends months or years at war...  Wow...  If you ever feel sorry for yourself due to some hard torturous task, think of the soldiers and Olympians that have given so much much more towards their "10,000 hours."