Learning from Losing

I love to compete and always have. I think it’s important to put a little pressure on my game to see where the cracks are and how to improve It. 

As I’m now ageing out a bit it’s beginning to dawn on me after 50 plus years of competing that I learn far more from a loss than a win. It’s great to win but I think I actually prefer to lose. If I play well and get beaten I’m not nearly as frustrated as when I play poorly and win or lose. 

Don’t get me wrong, I always want to win and try very hard not to lose. I assure you I never like to lose but at the moment of defeat, even though it hurts a bit, I know I can learn a lot more from the experience by stretching my game beyond its present state. If my opponent out plays me I will learn from that experience when I take the time to reflect and dissect.  

What defeat does for my overall psyche can be far better than a victory.  I believe it goes back to why we compete and why many hate competition.   

Remember LIFE is a workshop not an art gallery. Whatever helps you grow is what is important and that is not just winning but the experience of competing and the sportsmanship you show your Pickelball friends. 

Just when I start thinking my game is getting really good I can always count on one of my PB friends treating me to a piece of humble pie and bring me back to exactly why I love and play this game. 

Thanks for listening I feel better now. 

Pickelball on. Vance