Food for thought...
Why winning is toxic
We've all been taught that winning is the ultimate goal. Whether it's in sports, business, or life, we're conditioned to believe that success is the key to happiness and fulfillment. But what if I told you that winning can be toxic?
In the iconic movie Rocky, Rocky Balboa tells his son that life is going to hit him hard, but he has to keep hitting back. This philosophy is echoed by Coach Mike Ditka, who says that "you can't let the fear of losing hold you back from playing the game."
Rudyard Kipling
“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same.
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings and not lose your common touch,
You'll be a Man, my son!"
The Illusion of Greatness
We live in a society that perpetuates the illusion that we're great because we win, and we suck because we lose. We're taught to believe that success is the ultimate measure of our worth, and that failure is a reflection of our inadequacy.
But this is a false narrative. Success and failure are not mutually exclusive, and they're not the only measures of our worth. As Rudyard Kipling so eloquently put it, "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same."
The Dangers of Toxic Winning
When we become too focused on winning, we can become toxic. We start to believe that we're entitled to success, and that anyone who gets in our way is a obstacle to be eliminated. We become arrogant and complacent, believing that we're invincible.
But this mentality is not only unhealthy, it's also unsustainable. When we're too focused on winning, we forget to learn and grow. We forget to appreciate the journey, and we forget to treat others with respect and kindness.
The Power of Resilience
So what's the alternative? How can we achieve success without becoming toxic? The answer is resilience. When we're resilient, we're able to bounce back from failure and keep moving forward. We're able to learn from our mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth.
As Rocky Balboa says, "It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." This is the key to success, not just in sports, but in life.
Alberto Chan
Small Business Coach
Lead with purpose, manage with wisdom & build your legacy
Final Thoughts :
Winning can be toxic, but it doesn't have to be. When we focus on resilience and growth, rather than just winning, we can achieve success without becoming arrogant and complacent. We can learn to appreciate the journey, and we can treat others with respect and kindness.
So the next time you're faced with success or failure, remember the words of Rocky Balboa and Coach Mike Ditka. Remember that life is going to hit you hard, but you have to keep hitting back. And always keep in mind the wise words of Rudyard Kipling, "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same."