I have had many opportunities to win and to lose in athletics, careers and life. One of the most valuable lessons I learned is how to accept losing gracefully. It is key to living a healthy, caring life.
I remember as a young man losing a hard-played basketball game. I felt all the emotions of anger, disappointment and sadness. After we lined up and shook our opponents' hands, my father came out to tell me, "Great game." But then he said the same thing to a kid from the other team! Confused, I asked why. He told me that in life there would be many challenges but none greater than accepting when you don't come out on top. Acknowledging who or what pushed you to do better is what is invaluable in competition.
As a society, we have adopted an attitude of winning at all costs -- and it has cost us. We have seen athletes push themselves beyond their capacities, damaging themselves for life. We also have seen politicians and business leaders participate in corrupt actions in the name of winning or coming out on top.
As I fast-forward to today, I question whether we have taught our kids how to lose with grace. Every parent wants to support his or her child's dreams and aspirations, but we have not always taught them that success can be found in failure as well. It's vital to understand that both winning and losing are temporary. It's priceless to accept who you are and to feel great about your efforts.
Carl Crawford is the intercultural services coordinator for Lake Superior College in Duluth.
