What does it mean to be labeled a second-place citizen?

Do people sometimes have to take a backseat so others can serve as the first place participant, whether politically or morally necessary?

According to recent writings in the New York Times, much dialogue has been shared regarding the timing of Hillary Clinton’s speech delivered before the Democratic National Convention, and its timing having a commonality with the 88th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Is it a coincidence that the 19th Amendment was certified on Aug. 26, 1920?

Media coverage implies that Clinton’s supporters believe suffrage was a symbolic rallying point for a plethora of ideas.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin experienced the discomfort of coming in second place at the Miss Alaska pageant in 1984.

However, 24 years later, she made history as the first woman on a Republican presidential ticket. She is the youngest and first female governor of Alaska.

Obviously, it is impossible to win first place in every competition, but necessary to stay focused on what matters the most to a person and what tactics can help one find success.

Are champions greedy people? Athletes are known to work very hard to obtain victory. Second place is no happy place for those who feel they deserve better. Well-known Monica Seles, who has won nine Grand Slam events, chose not to retire; she dreamed of winning Wimbledon. Pete Sampras, a seven-time champion endured straight set victories that left him to feel more reaffirmed and secure after long-term recoveries.

Are short-term cures enough to enable people to feel like a true winner, a first-place contestant? With experience and triumph also comes humility, whether believed deserving or not.

What is it that drives athletes and leaders to continue reaching for more? What motivates successful people even when unfair or humiliating circumstances seem to weigh them down? Is it fair for women to have the same chances at victory as men? These are all important questions one must consider when voting for a particular candidate running for an office position or when cheering for a person competing in a sporting event.

Motivation is a crucial key or reason people choose to engage in a particular behavior. It is a persistence to gain recognition, goals, desired objects, or a state of being. Yet, people like Michael Phelps; Olympic athletes; presidents; governors; and senators were not handed their titles simply because they were favored. They are true examples of people who have set high standards for living and who began as a child setting goals that could allow them to be the leaders they desired to become as an adult.

Great leaders are aware of their purpose. They have a vision of what they want to pursue and who will be affected by their behavior and the performances they initiate.

It is wise to consider what factors are important in helping you to become motivated to reach success.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.