Image by kevinthoule
If there is one trait that is common in most entrepreneurs, it is an intense desire to win! We live and breathe to take that #1 spot. The concept of winning in the larger context is a lot more abstract. Winning is essentially a way to keep score. However, treating just about everything in life as a competition we must win, makes things seem very different to their actual reality. Do not get me wrong, I am an extremely competitive individual and keeping score is something that I take seriously. However, I know people who take this concept of winning at everything a little too far. They become detached from the reality of the situation, and get blindsided by the unique dynamics of that particular situation. I strongly believe that all of us have to set ourselves stretched goals, and then go out there to achieve them. At the same time however,we have to remember that there are times when we do not have to win at whatever we set out to achieve. If we remain totally fixated on our goals, and disregard the journey we take to get to them, is supposed to make one wonder if the win will be as satisfying? After speaking to a lot of individuals who have been through life with such blinders, there is a unanimous agreement that it is definitely not as satisfying.
This concept may seem simple enough to understand on the face of it . However, being entrepreneurs, it is true that although we may hear this aspect of the argument, we often revert back to our original thought process that usually is “It is all or nothing”. I must admit I still have difficulty grasping the entire concept that enjoying the journey rather than the win will be more satisfying. I used to believe that you should aim to win as fast as possible, and that you can derive all the satisfaction you want at a later stage in life. After reading many biographies and talking to seasoned business owners and professionals, it appears it is quite the opposite. As someone put it “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans”. It all comes down to balancing our priorities and being able to see the forest for the trees. Easier said than done I know, but that seems to be the path to take to help a person realize a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
In the end we all set different finishing lines for ourselves. What one individual may consider a victory may not be considered one by another. Instead of just focusing on the end goal, we need to be able to look around, even though it may cost us a few points on the leader board. This is not a concept that sinks in after just thinking about it briefly. Writing this post has given me greater clarity on the concept in its entirety but it is still not as simple to adopt it as a life philosophy. What is important is that we begin thinking about these things early, as we can then get a better understanding on how we chose to live our lives.
What do you think? Is winning everything? If not why isn’t it? Look forward to hearing your comments and feedback.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with what you have mentioned in your article. Besides the points mentioned, if we see in our real lives, there is no real win or loss. What we consider as a win might turn into a loss without even our knowing. And if we sacrificed all in life to get the win which converted into loss … then whats the net result.
So the best thing is to enjoy the every bit and pieces of it. Do concentrate on goals and also sacrifice, but only to the extent of its worth, dont sacrifice all for it.
Thanks for the great comment Noman.
I agree that we need to balance out our priorities in life. If we go to extreme’s as you mentioned the net result may not always be what we expected it to be.
Look forward to hearing from you on future posts as well.
I like to share abit of insight about how I feel about winning. Slightly different view, placing winning AS the journey.
Of course I enjoy winning, no doubts.I feel good after that, happy, motivated to do even more. And as the Tiger Beer campaign goes, ” If winning doesn’t matter, why do they keep scores?” Seems like it does matter to alot of people. But surely, as I grow with time, winning no longer becomes the end in mind, but rather a means to the end.
Just like losing, winning is a way of learning and moving towards achieving my goal. It is the flip side of the coin. I believe some of you might have times when you agree with me that you got to “loss” to reach your goal as well. And at times, “losing” sometimes also motivate myself to challenge to reach a higher level. Well, not that I enjoy losing… I would prefer winning still. but losing does leaves a deeper impression with us and thus stronger lessons. And when I got to know this, winning no longer serves as an end, but a milestone.
More importantly, how can we use winning to motivate us even more to reaching our goals in life. Winning itself, IS a journey.
Very interesting point of view. Placing an importance on the journey is imperative to living a full life. Many of us become fixated with the short term view and lose perspective of the larger picture.
I like your last sentence “winning itself, IS a journey.”
Wish you the very bust of luck in all your future ventures.