Winning and Losing

It was Vince Lombardi, who said “If winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score?” which states a very good question. Coaches and athletes remind themselves that winning isn’t measured by the score, but by their effort and by maintaining self-control in high pressured situations.

To win, means more then the finishing place, it’s to be acknowledged for the effort and time involved which made that win. Coaches are trained to ask their team “Are you ready to give it everything you’ve got?” before a game, because that is what it is going to take. Everything.

Remembering that your opposition wants to win just as much is also important. There is a 50% chance that you will lose and the trick is not to get down by it. Disappointment is a natural reaction, however you need to acknowledge that the other person did win and learn why they did. Questions such as were you could improve and what can you change should run through your mind for next time.

Going up against competitors that are better then you is a fantastic opportunity to learn. Although, generally, most people have a tendency to blame equipment, teammates, or a coach for their own mistakes instead of looking what they can do to make a difference.

When working in teams, teamwork becomes the important point, as you have to work as a unit. Learning to compliment each other and use each others strength because vital. Within in that, also giving other people on the team opportunities to learn their own mistakes or prove themselves is important. You are only as strong as you weakest link.

Another quote by an anonymous person is “If you make every game a life-and-death situation, you're going to have problems...for one thing you'll be dead a lot.”

Although for a lot of people, sport is their main focus of their lives and might even be their livelihood, the fact is it is still a game. It is something to be enjoyed whether you are playing by yourself or with others. It’s a recreational activity and shouldn’t be the cause for vein-popping anger or high blood pressure.
Winning might boost your self-esteem and confidence, but losing every now and then is probably a good thing. The whole point is to better yourself and you can’t do that if you have nothing to better yourself against.
As Walt Disney said “You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

Celeste writes for Sport Manager, who specialize in professionally administer & organize their team.