In May 1986, In Perth Scotland, my school basketball team which I captained lost the national cup final by 2 points.
I was fouled out (sent off after 5 fouls) with about 3 minutes to go in that final while we were ahead.
It was my fault.
The following January, I lined up for my first ever international for Scotland as a (just by a couple of weeks) 15-year-old boy.
We lost by 3 points.
I missed a 3-point shot with about 3 seconds to go.
Winning is life affirming.
It’s a reward for all of your hard work, your perseverance and your sacrifice.
Losing is not that.
Losing is power though. Pure energy if you use it properly.
The hurt of defeat and the narrative that you create can drive you higher and further than you would otherwise have managed to achieve if you’d won.
I’ve spent my life trying to race to the top (and systematically failing) but when I lose at least I’m closer to the top.
Blog Post Number - 3264
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