In Columbus' case, he has earned accolades likely that should have gone to other men, but he is not to blame and there is a lesson here for the rest of us.
First, be careful who and what you celebrate. Celebrating a guy who was headed somewhere else and ended up here is a little bit like celebrating a holiday on January 1. You know, because that day Dick Rowe didn't see the potential of some boy band from Liverpool back in 1962. I mean who knew that guitar sound wasn't going away, right? (At least on New Year's Day we are celebrating new beginnings and not lost chances.)
Second, should you be celebrated for others' accomplishments be quiet about it. Do not allow the creation of holidays named after yourself so that car and couch salesman have an extra day to give you ten percent off.
Finally, remember that opportunity is not a lengthy visitor so if you get the chance to ...run with it. Success is yours for the making, even when you make a mistake. Keep a compass and map handy...know where you are headed, but be willing to make the course adjustments necessary to be successful. (Even the aforementioned Dick Rowe signed the Rolling Stones after missing out on the Beatles. Not a terrible follow up move/)
Now go buy a new car at 0% financing or a couch or something.
