We are disciplined in our training, dedicating hours of time to perfecting our skills instead of watching TV or playing video games.
We focus on developing our strengths, while constantly finding ways to improve our weaknesses.
We know the importance of eating properly to fuel our bodies, getting enough sleep to recover, and enjoying the process of preparing for competition and testing our skills.
When it’s time to compete, we expect to win; when we do, we shouldn’t be surprised.
We put in all the hard work, time, and love into it, so winning should come as no surprise.
We don’t showboat or taunt our opponents. Instead, we go and shake their hands, because, without our opponents, there would be no game. We show gratitude towards our teammates and those who came to support us, and people will want to keep playing with us and offer to teach us more.
People appreciate seeing someone enjoy themselves in a positive way, and that’s why we stay humble, my son.”“Okay, Dad, but why are we gracious in defeat?”
Because, my son, whether you are aware of it or not, you are setting an example for your teammates and others who are watching.
If you are a bad sport, throwing things, cursing, or blaming others for your loss, you will create a negative environment around you and the team.
The goal after defeat is to find solutions and ways to improve and to build your teammates up for the next opportunity.
But you can’t do that if you start making excuses or blaming others, as that victimizes you When you make yourself a victim, you disempower yourself to make positive change.
Learn to take ownership when you lose. Recall where you made mistakes and practice fixing them, so you never lose in the same way again.
That’s how we get better and inspire others to improve themselves. Remember, my son I don’t care if you win or lose.
The only time I will be disappointed is if I see you’re not giving it your all and have a bad attitude out there. So give it everything you’ve got, and most importantly, enjoy yourself out there. Win or lose, I will still love you with all my heart, just the same.
If you win, I’ll pick you up and raise you to the sky, and whenever you fall, I’ll be the first to lend you a hand to pull you up and dust you off.
One day, when you’re older, you’ll realize the whole lesson I was teaching you goes beyond winning a game or a fight. The game/fight is just a metaphor for life, and you can apply these principles to all aspects of your life, including your career path, hobbies or interests, and your own family. I’m teaching you how to win in life.”
Javier Trujillo – a professional combat sports athlete, wildland firefighter, and Libertarian Party candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, has over a decade of experience fighting wildfires, holding titles such as Hotshot fire crew member and Engine Boss in the Pacific North West, and he recently worked to defend lives and property during last year’s destructive fire season in northern Nevada. The original article can be viewed here :
https://www.javitrujillo.net/post/beyond-the-game-teaching-life-lessons-through-sportsmanship