Weekly Thought – August 29, 2023
Fred refused to categorize people according to balance sheet, job title, or accumulated status symbols. But he did recognize winners and losers. During extreme downturns in the economy he invested time with friends who suffered great losses. His thoughts and questions offered direction to many business leaders during these times.
Winners and Losers
I love golf – and wisdom. When they come together I take notes.
I was watching a major golf tournament. One of the young competitors was winning impressively. A commentator turned to Ken Ventura and said (in hushed tones), “Ken, he is going to be a real winner, isn’t he?” The experienced golfer replied, “No one can look into his heart and mind. We don’t know what is in there yet.” Watching that young golfer progress proved he had a strong heart for winning.
Too often I hear people build categories of moral and immoral, ethical and unethical as reasons for succeeding and not failing. I think it is easier than that – for most purposes there are simply winners and losers.
When you lose you have certain questions and certain choices to make. Some of the questions are:
1) Did I do my best?
2) Am I responsible for the loss or was it circumstances beyond my control?
3) If I had it to do over what would I do differently?
4) How can I use this loss for future decisions and projects?
Some of the choices are:
1) Become bitter, hostile, or transfer the responsibility
2) Accept that you were defeated and let it become a fact of life for the future
3) Let the loss help establish a realistic view of ourselves in relation to others
It is arrogant to think that we are always the best at all times. And we can’t always choose when we are put into a competitive situation. The best thing we can do is externalize and analyze the loss, but never internalize it. Just because I was defeated does not mean that I totally have failed. One of my favorite statements is: “you haven’t failed – only your plans have.”
Healthy people don’t expect to avoid competition. Also, they don’t allow the shadow of defeat dim the enjoyment of victory.
This week think about: 1) What defeat am I still carrying around? 2) How well do I celebrate victories? 3) What counsel do I give to those going through a loss?
Words of Wisdom: “Healthy people don’t expect to avoid competition.”
Wisdom from the Word: “For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” (Ephesians 3:13 NET Bible)