“Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.”—Wilma Rudolph
I am blessed to be a part of our local (West Linn, OR) high school wrestling team as a strength and conditioning coach. Yesterday was the Oregon State Tournament. We had sixteen boys and one girl qualify. We ended with four champions (three repeat champions). The team fell shy of the goal of winning the team title for the second year. Four kids (more counting all the state champions) went home happy. The rest went home with varying levels of disappointment.
We should not envy the champions. Some will be returning next year with a target on their backs and a pressure to repeat. Envy those who worked hard and stood on the podium alongside of the champions. They accomplished something and will return with greater desire. Envy those who competed and lost. They have done more than the average teenager. Hope that those who fell short of the gold recognize that they are not “losers”—they are learners. (There are no losers in wrestling—only winners and learners.) Envy the kid who wants to be back next year—better trained, better conditioned, better focused, and… hungry. Be envious of the kid who will pick up after the crushing defeat with the will to win. That kid will be next year’s champion.
As adults, we can’t forget the lessons being taught here. We may not be wrestlers or athletes (ever or anymore), but we can be champions at our Purpose. Me? I have two weeks off, and then I get to take what I have learned from this season and start working to make next year’s team stronger and better prepared to win.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!!