Nowhere to Go But Up

Ever come in last in something?  Finish fourth in a race?  Lost out to a competitor in a business deal?  Land in any position other than the one you thought you should be?  Rather humbling experience as you analyze the whys and the wherefores of how you found yourself in this self-imposed lonely place.

Tired, not prepared, not feeling the best, bad conditions, too hot, too cold… the list of excuses seem to be as long as the experience itself.  In reality, it might be better to realize that each and every person that is competing with you wants to come in top dog as much, if not more, than you do.  When you only have one prize for the winner, second place (or any subsequent position) can be perceived as unacceptable and doesn’t seem to measure up.  But to whose standards?

Frankly, I think we have been looking at this competition thing all wrong.  Yes, first place is nice, but really, is it a true test of your ability if you win every time?  Get 100% without really trying?  Have things come so easily that no effort seems to have been put forth?

On the other hand, not being triumphant in a quest can instruct you on the finer points of life.  Complacency will go right out the window, along with airs of, shall we say, smugness?  The art of losing graciously is something other people will remember long after the arrogance of a victor.  And even if it is a cliché, to know you tried your absolute best makes you a winner.  There may be a hint of truth that it is lonely at the top, if it isn’t handled with grace and style.

I am not saying give up.  Never give up!  Always have a goal you want to achieve and don’t necessarily be realistic about it – strive to be the best… you can be (not something someone else wants you to be).  Thinking you are going to be defeated before you even start out are not words to live by and certainly not something you want to be remembered.

If you fall short and are anything less than what you want, you always have the opportunity to go up.  Once at the top, people nip at your heels and are continually trying to take that spot away.  As history has proven, eventually, there will be someone smarter, faster, more of whatever and then they will have the same hound dogs after them – a vicious circle of sorts, as no-one can stay on the apex forever.

Winning isn’t everything.  In this competitive world, trying should count for much more than it does.  How can you classify anyone a loser if they are giving it their all and enjoying the experience even if they don’t win the blue ribbon?  Besides, who died and left any of us to judge what victory is for anyone else?  Heck, getting out of bed some mornings is challenge enough and making it though the day should be cause for celebration and a gold star.

Life isn’t a race, but if it was I would probably say if you are happy and healthy, doing what you want to be doing and moving in a forward motion, you are most likely already a winner.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-