Leadership / Winning / Losing / Mistakes / Failures
Leadership Moment — 7 Jan 24
Learn and Look Forward, Lessons from Losing.
Big high school wrestling tournament this weekend. My boy did well, going 7–1. But of course, what did he dwell on? The single loss. As we tend to do, or at least many of us.
My son is a sophomore and in his second year of wrestling. He learned some hard lessons last year as a freshman. Worked hard in the off-season, got stronger, studied a little bit, and is doing much better this season.
For the match he lost, he was the better wrestler. He was well ahead on points, something like 8–0 in the first period. That’s a substantial lead, real dominance. Then he made a mistake. The other kid was also relatively new to wrestling but a good athlete and a big, strong young man.
The other wrestler saw / felt the mistake and took advantage. Made his move and stuck my boy’s shoulder blades to the mat. It was a great pin and a great come-from-behind victory.
My son was embarrassed and frustrated with himself. The thoughts and frustration were ricocheting in his brain to the point of distraction. My son kept going on and on about it, even after winning his next six matches. Finally, I’d had enough and told him, “Stop. Stop…
