By kaka Lucas, 2nd August 2022

“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

 

Well said; but wait! Who in today’s world wants to be a loser? Who wants to be the last when society is encouraging us in all aspects to always remain on top of everything?

What does it mean to win? It is clear that where there is a winner, there is also a loser. In our daily lives, do we encounter moments that we win and others lose? How does that make you feel? 

 

As winning attracts a lot of hashtags on our social media pages, did you know that “winning” has a lot of definitions? Merriam-Websters defines ‘WIN’ as

• “To get possession by effort or fortune; to obtain by work: earn”
• It also stands for, “to gain in or as if in battle or contest.”

The two definitions are good but my eyes keep falling for the definition where I am reminded that to win means ‘to obtain by work – to earn.’ What is your take on that definition?

 

On the other hand, it is said that to lose is to win. This is hard to believe. As young as I am, I have learned that I learn a tremendous amount from losing. Failure, mistakes, adversity, and setbacks have been good teachers to me. Their lessons are consistent and very valuable. When I think the lesson is over, another one just comes in from nowhere. How I began to win is by moving a step forward with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. I also built a strong foundation, not just for the present, but for the next winning step.

 

Looking around also I understand that no one wins all the time.

Steve Jobs was FIRED from the company he founded! When he returned to Apple over 10 years later, he built it into the most profitable company on the planet.

Michael Jordan suffered crushing playoff defeats for six seasons. He didn’t win a championship until his seventh season in the NBA.

J.K. Rowling endured depression, physical and mental abuse, poverty, and humiliation. Today, we know her as one of the most successful authors to ever live.

Everyone can win. Everyone can also lose. It’s through our experiences that we grow and experience success, which only we can truly define for ourselves.

 

Reflecting on the lives of these people, I came across this story that defines who really is a “winner”:

 

 

‘Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was only a few meters from the finish line, but got confused with the signs and stopped, thinking he had finished the race. A Spanish man, Ivan Fernandez, was right behind him and, realizing what was going on, started shouting to the Kenyan to keep running. Mutai did not know Spanish and did not understand.

 

Realizing what was going on, Fernandez pushed Mutai to victory. A reporter asked Ivan, “Why did you do this?” Ivan replied, “My dream is that one day we can have some sort of community life where we push ourselves and help each other win.” The reporter insisted “But why did you let the Kenyan win?” Ivan replied, “I didn’t let him win, he was going to win. The race was his.”

 

The reporter insisted and asked again, “But you could have won!” Ivan looked at him and replied: “But what would be the merit of my victory? What would be the honor of this medal? What would my Mother think of it?” The values are transmitted from generation to generation. What values do we teach our children and how much do you inspire others to earn? Most of us take advantage of people’s weaknesses instead of helping to strengthen them.’

 

What do you understand from this story?

 

Let me have your feedback in the comments section on your understanding of who is a “WINNER”.