A Loss Can Be Your Best Motivator
“Winning is great, but sometimes it takes a loss to get you motivated again. It humbles you down to reality.” This is a quote from a high school athlete, from an interview by the author of today’s article of inspiration: Why Winning Streaks End. (I promise I will soon use other publications for my inspiration – there are just so many gems from HBS!)
Sometimes kids say the darnedest things – and this particular youth shows an uncanny handle of the truest of truths: that complacency generally leads to catastrophe. In her article, Kanter discusses various examples of fallen idols. Once great pillars of success whose actions (or inactions) have led to their tumbling demise, including Toyota, Detroit in general, and the meteoric fall from dominance of the NFL’s New England Patriots.
“All too often,” the author ponticifactes, “long periods of continued success are undermined not by the competition but by self-inflicted wounds.” The author identifies common patterns in business, sports, leadership, and life; and suggests these to do’s to make sure you and I do not fall prey to the lesser virtues of our human nature. Always remember to:
Enjoy the day!
