Race to the Top

Are you a competitive person? Perhaps in sports? Maybe you want to be the best at some kind of activity? Maybe you just want to win.

It’s a great feeling, coming out on top, knowing how high in the standings you may be. Knowing that all the hard work and effort you put in has paid off. It’s a good and proud feeling for sure.

What happens when you fail though? Instead of reaching first prize, you were the runner up. Instead of winning, you lost. What then? I think for some, losing or almost making it is unacceptable. I think this is a good mindset to have, as it allows you to consistently set greater goals in the future. However, it can also be detrimental if this feeling is not kept in check. Having high expectations reveal the tremendous achievements and potential of an individual, but can also burden them with enormous amounts of stress. There have already been plenty of instances around the world where people commit suicide due to the intense pressures faced in school or work. Oftentimes these are triggered by social or cultural roots.

After a disappointing moment or loss, one should perhaps take some time to rest and reflect. This may be hard to do because people may want to prove themselves and jump right back into the game. It’s a good effort, but may not prove to be the most productive for all as emotions may get in the way of things. Here comes the cheesy bit: failure shows that you have more room to grow and improve. This is something that should be remembered (though I think we all do seeing how often this saying is brought up). Taking some time off allows one to mentally reset themselves. Thinking logically, they can analyze their mistakes and weaknesses to ensure in the future a better competitor.

I’m not going to tell you to not feel bad after a loss, because you’ll probably still feel pretty bad. I will advise that you use it as a learning experience. This world is full of competitors, constantly racing towards the top. It’s just how things are structured. If you have the right motivation, mentality, and maturity, then you can definitely be a contender too.