Nowhere is this overwhelming desire to win every time more blatant than in sports. Every team is judged purely on their win and loss record. Although mistakes which contribute to a loss are referenced by fans and coaches as lessons each error ultimately is viewed as a nail in the coffin of many an athlete or coach, offset by only a win of equal or greater magnitude.
I believe this is the arena in which children learn this attitude.
You've made a thought-provoking observation Thomas, about the pervasive desire for victory in sports.
Sports indeed is where children absorb important life lessons. It is therefore essential for coaches, parents, and teachers to ensure that the focus isn't solely on winning, but also on the development of skills, character, and resilience. They can help shape a healthier perspective on competition and achievement by fostering an environment where young athletes can learn from their failures and successes alike.
Absolutely, Walt Whitman's words capture the essence of victory and defeat alike. Every battle teaches us valuable lessons, whether in victory or defeat, and it's the spirit we bring that shapes the path forward.
I'm with you on this one Winston. Always the bridesmaid no matter what but I'm coming to terms with it. The journey though, no victory or defeat can take it away.
Thanks Xavi, embracing the journey is where true growth and fulfillment reside. While it might feel like being the perennial bridesmaid, the experiences you accumulate, the lessons you learn, and the personal development you undergo are treasures that endure, regardless of immediate victories or defeats. Your perspective serves as a poignant reminder that life's richness lies not solely in the destination but in the steps we take, the connections we forge, and the moments we cherish along the way.
It's been the lesson of "Winner Take All" capitalism for the last 50 years that defeat is unspeakable and not to be borne to any extent ever; and this lesson has been extended unto changing one's mind also. The pretense of impending victory must be kept up at all costs, in such a world. The "a loss is a lesson " thing is, paradoxically, part of that pretense.
Thanks Shaggy, your insight sheds light on a complex aspect of modern capitalism. The emphasis on relentless victory in a "Winner Take All" system has indeed cultivated a culture where defeat can seem unbearable. It's fascinating how this mindset extends not only to outcomes but also to the act of changing one's perspective. Your perspective prompts us to reevaluate the interconnectedness of these concepts within our world and question the authenticity of our responses to defeat and change. It's a reminder that the narratives we construct around success and failure hold deeper implications for how we navigate our lives and societies.
A battle not so many can look up to fight. It´s not overreacting the wanting for winning. It´s human. And the lost of our senses for the winning of our dreams can be the breaking point that proves our character. We need as much of failures as we seek for lessons. There´s still value. We might need to re-prioritize our search for it!
Thanks Alex, your perspective is profound and inspiring. You've captured the innate human desire for success and the essence of the struggle to pursue victory. It's a reminder that setbacks and losses are not signs of weakness, but rather opportunities for growth and learning. Reprioritizing our approach to failure allows us to extract the hidden meaning within each challenge and reinforces our commitment to our aspirations.
I always look forward to your writing, and the more I read the more I learn about you. What I most enjoyed about this piece of writing is the fact that you write about defeat, a topic all of us are well aware and acquainted with, but oftentimes most people try to hide their defeat or move past it as quickly as possible.
The topic of defeat is another topic where I feel we are alike; both of us have been acquainted with it, and we choose to face it, and continue and persevere until we find success. I definitely agree about the sweet taste of success after suffering through the bitter bite of defeat. In fact it's the reason that I started my blog, and in particular the title of "Find Meaning in Adversity". I find those of us on this side are much friendlier, more humble, and more compassionate, with a greater appreciation for the small things.
As I continue to work through your archive of written material I am more and more in awe of you as a person and as a writer with each piece.
Nowhere is this overwhelming desire to win every time more blatant than in sports. Every team is judged purely on their win and loss record. Although mistakes which contribute to a loss are referenced by fans and coaches as lessons each error ultimately is viewed as a nail in the coffin of many an athlete or coach, offset by only a win of equal or greater magnitude.
I believe this is the arena in which children learn this attitude.
You've made a thought-provoking observation Thomas, about the pervasive desire for victory in sports.
Sports indeed is where children absorb important life lessons. It is therefore essential for coaches, parents, and teachers to ensure that the focus isn't solely on winning, but also on the development of skills, character, and resilience. They can help shape a healthier perspective on competition and achievement by fostering an environment where young athletes can learn from their failures and successes alike.
"Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won."
Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
Absolutely, Walt Whitman's words capture the essence of victory and defeat alike. Every battle teaches us valuable lessons, whether in victory or defeat, and it's the spirit we bring that shapes the path forward.
For every winner there are a thousand losers.
Indeed there is Roland, and a thousand losers need to be taught the right way to handle failure.
Winston, There is depth in defeat unknown by those who have not tasted it. Nice job! D
Thank you Dave, happy it resonated with you.
Great to see the feeling shared!
This is a winner as a piece of writing!
Thank you Tahia, I am glad you like it.
Such lovely words! A tender hug for Winston´s soul =)
Thanks Alex, much appreciated.
I'm with you on this one Winston. Always the bridesmaid no matter what but I'm coming to terms with it. The journey though, no victory or defeat can take it away.
Thanks Xavi, embracing the journey is where true growth and fulfillment reside. While it might feel like being the perennial bridesmaid, the experiences you accumulate, the lessons you learn, and the personal development you undergo are treasures that endure, regardless of immediate victories or defeats. Your perspective serves as a poignant reminder that life's richness lies not solely in the destination but in the steps we take, the connections we forge, and the moments we cherish along the way.
It's been the lesson of "Winner Take All" capitalism for the last 50 years that defeat is unspeakable and not to be borne to any extent ever; and this lesson has been extended unto changing one's mind also. The pretense of impending victory must be kept up at all costs, in such a world. The "a loss is a lesson " thing is, paradoxically, part of that pretense.
Thanks Shaggy, your insight sheds light on a complex aspect of modern capitalism. The emphasis on relentless victory in a "Winner Take All" system has indeed cultivated a culture where defeat can seem unbearable. It's fascinating how this mindset extends not only to outcomes but also to the act of changing one's perspective. Your perspective prompts us to reevaluate the interconnectedness of these concepts within our world and question the authenticity of our responses to defeat and change. It's a reminder that the narratives we construct around success and failure hold deeper implications for how we navigate our lives and societies.
A battle not so many can look up to fight. It´s not overreacting the wanting for winning. It´s human. And the lost of our senses for the winning of our dreams can be the breaking point that proves our character. We need as much of failures as we seek for lessons. There´s still value. We might need to re-prioritize our search for it!
Thanks Alex, your perspective is profound and inspiring. You've captured the innate human desire for success and the essence of the struggle to pursue victory. It's a reminder that setbacks and losses are not signs of weakness, but rather opportunities for growth and learning. Reprioritizing our approach to failure allows us to extract the hidden meaning within each challenge and reinforces our commitment to our aspirations.
Great wisdom my friend. Always a delightful moment to read your words.
I appreciate you comment so much!
Hi Winston.
I always look forward to your writing, and the more I read the more I learn about you. What I most enjoyed about this piece of writing is the fact that you write about defeat, a topic all of us are well aware and acquainted with, but oftentimes most people try to hide their defeat or move past it as quickly as possible.
The topic of defeat is another topic where I feel we are alike; both of us have been acquainted with it, and we choose to face it, and continue and persevere until we find success. I definitely agree about the sweet taste of success after suffering through the bitter bite of defeat. In fact it's the reason that I started my blog, and in particular the title of "Find Meaning in Adversity". I find those of us on this side are much friendlier, more humble, and more compassionate, with a greater appreciation for the small things.
As I continue to work through your archive of written material I am more and more in awe of you as a person and as a writer with each piece.