Dead last is the best place I ever finished. Depending on how you read that will determine whether or not the goals you set for yourself are strong enough to withstand the interpretation, opinion, and feedback of others.
Define Place
In my experience, most people never accomplish their goals for one of two reasons; 1) The goal they set is rooted in a comparison to someone else rather than themselves, and/or 2) they concern themselves more with style than achievement. I humbly submit to you that each of us has a story and that story has a beginning with an evolving ending. Where you find me is not where I started. Where I find you is not where you started. Sometimes where we find others is where they started but the key is to be able to identify when such people have never actually moved.
I humbly submit to you that when you own your story, unapologetically, words like shame, fear, or embarrassment will be reduced and ultimately eliminated. We live in a world now where image is more important than the substance, the trophy is more important than the contribution, and the title is more important than the role. Sometimes all it takes is someone to put their vulnerability on display and demonstrate the power in owning your truth. I'll volunteer to start; I was born in last place, lived in last place, and continue to keep being rewarded with last place. I have never lost.
