If you were given the choice between winning and losing, what would YOU choose?
Let's face it...Most would choose to WIN.
There is an indescribable exhilaration that comes along with victory, and that feeling can be addictive.
I was gifted with a competitive nature at birth, and throughout my career I have consciously cultivated the desire to win. In my experience, winning means a lot. But does it mean everything?
In my role as a speaker and coach, frequently the goal is to help my clients win, in both business and in life. And frankly, I experience a deep sense of fulfillment when I've assisted my clients in overcoming obstacles, or when I've helped them to get "unstuck".
When you win, I win.
But at what price? Are there times when winning shouldn't be the desired outcome?
It's true, winning can have a dark side, and I'd like to help you avoid it.
In a recent article by one of my mentors, Fred Smith, he explored this very topic. He discussed the times that "winning isn't everything", when viewed in the context of his beliefs.
Here is a brief excerpt of that article, in Fred's own words:
1) When winning costs me my self-respect, it is better to lose. Self-respect is the domain of that little guy who lives with me and sometimes gets me up at 3AM to do a gut check. When he refuses to talk to me, I know I am in trouble. My self-respect is far more valuable than a temporary win.
2) When winning costs me my health, I would rather lose. I have known executives who stay in jobs that are killing them because their pride won’t let them quit. No success is worth that price. I decided a long time ago not to pay it.
3) When winning jeopardizes my family relations it is better to lose. I have heard men say their entire family invested in his success. No, their family sacrificed for his personal win. The loss of family time was one of the payments due on the price of a business win.
4) When winning breaks my relation with God, it is better to lose. This life isn’t the whole game; this life is the practice for the real game in eternity. If I have to play on one team or another, I want to play on His team --- forever. If I have to choose between my God and my success, then I have made the choice….”Here I stand, so help me, God.”
As you pursue victory in your business and your life, I'd encourage you to consider Fred's words, and really think about the cost of winning.
If the WIN is going to jeopardize your self-respect, your health, or your relationships with your family or your creator, it's time to take a harder look at your desire to win.
Understanding why you want to win is a key component in becoming your best and highest version of you. Learning how to win is a noble desire that you should continue to cultivate in your lifetime.
Today, I encourage you to evaluate your "why", and be sure that your pursuit of success and victory comes from the perspective of doing the right thing.
And winning for all the right reasons is always better than winning for the wrong reasons.
Until next time, be creative!
J. Shoop
www.coachshoop.com
J. Shoop, is a LifeSuccess Consultant with Bob Proctor's organization, and the author of "The Other Secret". His mission in life is to inspire, educate, and help others to become consciously aware of their unlimited potential for greatness. For more info on his services and to connect with him, send an email to jshoop@jshoop.com .
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