Winning Is Not What It Seems!

When we grew up, we heard the old line, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’

This summer, I have been observing my grandson playing video games. You can hear his excitement when he wins and the ‘Oh no and Ah-man’ when he isn’t as triumphant.

Later as we were watching the swim competition of the Olympics. We were aware that there would be some who would receive a medal and others would be given an honorable mention. As the swimmers reached the finish line, my grandson and I had a front row seat of the swimmers’ expressions. He noticed the elation of the winners and the defeated look of those whose swim time didn’t make the mark. 

So, I took this as an opportunity to pause and chat about winning and losing.

I turned to him and said, “Hey grandson, I know you like to play video games, but what happens when you don’t win?”

He replied, “I love winning, but when I don’t, I try to control my frustration and try again!”

I gave him a thumbs up, this is our signal that lets him know I am one proud Nana.

His response reminded me that there are no losers, no one who keeps trying is a loser. Winning is good, but there is much more than winning that makes the competition experience exciting. I too like to win, and I know this is contrary to sports and most competitions; but I have found that it is so much more fulfilling when we win together.

Though life is full of ups and downs, and when things don’t go the way, we intended or hoped for; it can be emotionally, mentally, physically and sometimes financially stressful. But when we make the time to pause and process what’s really important-what’s really going on; we more than often find the wherewithal to try again.

As we learn to never give up on ourselves, we will then be able to share with others how to accept winning and to try again when they don’t receive the accolades that they worked so hard to accomplish or feel they deserved.

Pausing With God Ministries is a dedicated organization committed to fostering your personal & professional growth. Our mission is to provide resources, workshops, lunch & learns, and other events that empower, encourage and engage girls and women (ages 12 and up) to use their unique strengths and talents to make a meaningful impact in their lives, families, and communities.

Pause and connect with us so we can help you WIN!!!

(credits: title and pictures selected by my grandson)