If, like me, you are one of those people who just can’t stand losing, you have to be careful not to let your ego or competitiveness make others feel sensitive. Grace in defeat or success is a given, right?



Society through social media has certainly added a brighter intense spotlight. After Valerie Adams lost at the Olympics, I was appalled to read people criticising her for complacency. You can’t win them all. Or can you?

It is said that failure is necessary to truly succeed. As with change, failure is just a fact of life.

There are those that take rejections, obstacles and frustrations in their stride. They manage to find an inner patience to calm their anxiety, then they decide to sidestep and convert the next opportunity. But how? Luck? Confidence? Desire?

The margin between success and failure can be so small. Take Mahe Drysdale’s Olympic gold in the Men’s Sculls, which was only won by 5,000th of a second. But what if you were in Damir Martin’s shoes? Get back on the horse (or in his case, the boat)? Try, try and try again.

Well, when the timing is right. Let the pain heal and put your failure into perspective. I realised a long time ago that there can only be one winner. The field is often large and sometimes to be in the game is a success in itself.

RECRUITMENT IS A POND OF SUCCESS AND AN OCEAN OF FAILURE.

“If only I …”

“I’m over qualified, yes, but I want this …”

Or that stomach-churning moment when you feel like you could have done better, and just want another go to make a first impression.

If like Walt Disney you are fired at 22 for not being creative, then pivot, adapt and evolve. Don’t become dominated by FEAR. Refocus and leave nothing on the field. I honestly believe that if you give 100% that is a success. BELIEVE! In the words of Michael Jordan, “Make it happen!”

How have you learnt to handle failure or rejection? What keeps you going? Who inspires you to succeed?