Faith
Before we talk about this important topic, let's clarify two things:

• First, people are equal. Every human being on the planet is wonderful, special and worthy of dignity and respect. All of us are equal. I'm not better than you and you're not better than I am, we're just trying to get better than we were yesterday. All of us are on this journey together, and all of us are equal.
• Second, ideas are not equal. Some ideas are not as good as others. If I decide to cross the highway and neglect to look both ways, is that a good idea or a bad idea? Bad idea! Don't ever do that. If I tell you 2 + 2 = 5, do you believe me? No…do you still love me? Yes, we're friends, I love you, you love me. I just can't do math very well.

Do you see the difference between the person and the idea? People are equal, ideas are not. Some ideas are good, some are bad. Some are true, and some are false.

So it's best to put our faith in the most reliable idea we can find.

What are some of the ideas that people live their lives for in our culture today? Money is a big one. So many people pursue money to define their lives and to get happiness. Does money make you happy? Well, it helps: At first glance, money might seem to help, but in the end having the coolest stuff doesn't ultimately fulfill one's soul.

Some people put their faith in fame, power, gold medals, world records. Others believe in Buddha, Allah, Jesus or even themselves. Everybody has faith in something. All six billion people on the planet got up this morning and started their day with some bottom line motivation of why they exist. But the crux of it is to strive to put your faith in the most reliable idea you can find.

Here are some suggestions to help you identify your reliable idea. First, ask your parents what defines their life. Then, I encourage you to research and study the different perspectives of the world's current and historical humanitarians, religious and political leaders. As you reflect on these ideas, ask yourself if any ring true for you. Does any idea line up with reality? Does it work? That is, does it help people reach their full potential of freedom, fulfillment, dignity and productivity?

All of us should be skeptics - a seeker of truth, one that questions and continually searches for the most reliable idea to put faith in. And, honest skeptics don't have to search indefinitely, because when they find the truth they accept it and embrace it.

If you'd like to know about the reliable idea I've found for my life, visit my Web site, joshdavis.com.

Your Olympian,