For all sports enthusiasts, we know there can only be one winner, as both the Ladies’ and Men’s Basketball Final Four concluded a few weeks ago.
Many of us were always taught that it’s not how you play the game, but how you finish the game.
We were also taught to be gracious in our defeat.
We found out during the Final Four game between UConn and South Carolina that the losing UConn head coach, Geno Auriemma, had a meltdown.
It was evident when Geno Auriemma of UConn had to apologize the day after his confrontation with head coach Dawn Staley of South Carolina.
We also witnessed, days later, how South Carolina graciously accepted the loss in the final game against the UCLA Women’s team.
Every one of us should strive to be number one, but sometimes that is just not possible.
For the Michigan fans that beat the Men’s UConn Huskies, it was the first national championship since 1989, “Go Blue.”
Although I have no allegiance to Michigan, I can only imagine the electricity of winning 37 years later.
Both the winning head coaches of the UCLA Women’s Team, Cori Close, and Michigan’s Men’s Team, head coach Dusty May, know the feeling of winning.
To the losing Women’s Team of South Carolina, head coach Dawn Staley, and the Men’s Team of UConn, Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley both know the feeling of losing.
Each of us is always a step away from greatness.
Both winning and losing are always a step away.
Having lived in Augusta, Georgia, for over seventeen years and attended the Masters four times, on Sunday, there are always winners and losers.
In this case, Rory McIlroy was the winner after a terrible Saturday the day before, setting the standard with a historic performance and a massive six-shot lead.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you’re number one or the favorite to win, as Scottie Scheffler came in second.
Nevertheless, there was a lesson learned from both men playing this week at the Augusta National. It’s about being patient and remaining in control of your golf game.
Nevertheless, congratulations to Rory McIlroy for being able to pull off the win on Sunday by joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as the only other golfers who have won the tournament in back-to-back years.
Today, I’m reminded of my mantra for this blog by Bruce Lee: “As you think, so shall you become.” I’m fully aware that winning or losing doesn’t always have to involve sports.
We can win or lose in our minds as well.
Today, I challenge you to reflect on how you are winning or losing in the game of life.
“Winning and losing are both temporary experiences that shape character, resilience, and perspective.”
“You have no choice about how you lose, but you do have a choice about how you come back and prepare to win again.” Pat Riley
I’m sure that quote by Pat Riley resonates with many, and it’s one of the quotes on winning and losing that stand out for me this week.
Or as Magic Johnson says, “In life, winning and losing will both happen. What is never acceptable is quitting.”
McKinley, the most important words of your Thoughts are from the Magic Johnson quote. “What is never acceptable is quitting.” No matter how much we feel like quitting, there is always some light around the corner. I will put this quote in my journal for today!!
Scott,
Greetings, and thank you for your feedback today.
I’m humbled that I chose a great quote for you to place in your journal today.
McKinley
McKinley, Magic Johnson’s statement also resonated with me. It caused me to reflect on the practice of “tanking” in the NBA where multiple teams purposely lose games in an effort to improve their draft position odds. It’s unacceptable and a perversion of the desired character and spirit of competition. However, like many things in society today, the fans of those “tanking teams” support those practices to potentially land a franchise changing player. It’s another example of compromises to integrity that has become too prevalent in today’s society.
Sam,
Greetings, today you taught me a word that I never heard of before, or that was one that I paid little attention to, called “Tanking.” I’m not one who keeps up with sports, so I appreciate the insight.
Nevertheless, tanking doesn’t support one’s character/integrity, and I’m sure they are aware of it. Once you compromise your integrity, it’s hard to get it back. I appreciate your support and comment on my blog this week.
McKinley
Good morning Charlie Mike, thanks for shedding light on two aspects of life that naturally occur. However, I feel as though I am losing regarding my spiritual nurturing. For the remainder of the year, my goal is to become more intentional to grow spiritually.
Terrance,
Greetings, and my apologies for the delay. Each of us is human, and at times we can grow weary. It’s in that weariness were waiting for God’s response to what he has promised. It will happen, keep the faith.
CM