Not Winning to Win at Life
How can you truly win at life? Have you ever worked hard for a client deal, project, competition or race and left not winning? It’s humbling, rattling and many times, discouraging. There are many who give up on challenges because of the mental demons that dissuade and dampen the enthusiasm to push forward. In fact, generations of participant ribbon recipients may not know how to handle defeat and emotions of not winning. However, many times not winning is better than winning for what it does for personal responsibility and growth to win at life. Here’s why.
Not winning makes you evaluate your process of training and education to win at life. How did you prepare for the competition, interview or the situation where you came in second, or even last? Honest evaluation and assessment will help you to brainstorm and identify areas you can improve on and increase your odds of winning.
Not winning wakes you up to honestly identify the fact that you’ve not arrived yet. Take off the rose-colored glasses and get rid of the slimming mirror! Not winning adds a dose of reality to your life and situation. Don’t forget that you, as a person, are of great value. However, take a good look at your situation, your work and output. Identify, then expand your initiative to improve and win at life.
Not winning creates an opportunity to hone your craft with quality input and coaching. When good enough is not enough, seek out expert help. There are many life coaches, physical trainers and instructors qualified to give you expert insight. Choose carefully, then spend money and time for the skill and knowledge you will accrue. It will be money and time well-spent to win at life. Always keep the attitude of a lifelong learner with a beginners mindset and you will keep growing and winning.
Not winning puts life in perspective. Remember, there’s more to winning at life than winning the lottery. Do something out of the ordinary for you. Maybe take a walk in the forest or on the beach. Grasp the magnitude of the mountains and the power of the ocean. What you are facing is small in comparison to the enormity of nature. It doesn’t discount your discouragement, but helps you scale your evaluation of the situation. The mere fact that you are living and breathing is winning at life.
Winning is the willingness to change and adapt on the fly. I’ve worked with the Disney organization for a number of years and one thing I do know about Disney —they are in constant growth and change mode. There is usually always some area of the park or hotel space that is under construction or remodel. Whenever I can, I walk around to notice the Disney details; such as plants-with not a dead leaf or flower in sight. In fact, plants are changed out, often and at least seasonally to keep everything fresh.
Why is changing out plants important for Disney? Because Disney is all about making dreams come true. In a perfect world, flowers are always blooming, trees are green and lines are short. Well…Disney may have to work on those long lines! But even with ticket prices at an all-time high, overflow crowds from all parts of the planet are enjoying the many amenities Disney has to offer. Walt Disney, who went bankrupt more than a few times, ended up winning at life and fulfilling his dream. You can also create your own personal empire, no matter how small or large, with good habits of assessment, coaching, and personal responsibility. That is my wish for you -to win at life!
DEBORAH JOHNSON: Helping others Get Unstuck with Healthy Mental Code. Speaking, Concerts, In-Depth Workshops. Most recent book Bad Code: Overcoming Bad Mental Code That Sabotages Your Life
