It’s been over a year since I have posted to King of Failure.  However, I am back and energized to continue our journey together.  During my hiatus, I have observed and reflected on many instances of winning and losing… success and failure. What stands out the most, which is no surprise, are the losses… the failures.  What can we learn from them?

I for one do not like losing.  There is nothing fun about it.  Regardless, I know that losing teaches us some important lessons.  Here are five to remember:

1. Be Gracious:  You don’t have to “like” losing, but winners always show respect for competitors.  Congratulate them.  Shake hands.  Wish them well.  Why?  It’s the right thing to do and there is nothing to be gained by damaging your reputation.  Don’t be a sore loser.  You would not like it when the shoe is on the other foot.
2. Channel the Energy:  Losing stinks.  It hurts and can feel bad for a long time (if you let it).  You must channel any negative energy from losing into something positive – a specific improvement, a new practice regimen, a change in attitude, a change in strategy, etc.
3. Get Back on the Horse:  The worst thing you can do is avoid the very thing that resulted in your defeat.  Face it – head on.  Step back up to the plate and try again.  Winners do not give up after a defeat.  Rather, winners learn and get back in the game better prepared.
4. Don’t Make Excuses:  Rationalizing a loss as the fault of someone else only sets you up for future failure.  Own it.  Take responsibility and do something about it.
5. Understand Your Motivation:  If losing doesn’t hurt then you may need to find something else to do.  Clearly you don’t want it bad enough.  Your heart is simply not in it.