“One must neither celebrate too insanely when he wins or sulk when he loses….accept victory professionally and humbly…hate defeat, but make no poor display of it.”

Dan Gable 

Whether you win or lose, do it with class. It’s not about what others think about you, it shows what you think about you.  Both hubris and tantrum throwing are symptoms of the same disease, the inability to dominate yourself.  (In the South, we call it “showing out”. ) Celebrating a victory is fantastic, showboating and taunting….not so much. Unless it’s actually your first time winning anything, at all, showing out makes it look like you’ve never achieved anything before in your life, ever. Folks who act in this manner are the very same ones who throw a hissy fit when they do lose. Being disappointed by a loss is good (you shouldn’t enjoy losing), but throwing your equipment, cussing and kicking….while it certainly makes news and puts you in the spotlight, it’s not for performing well or keeping it classy.

The greatest competition we all will ever participate in is the competition against ourselves.  “You vs. You” – the main event. How will you perform?

Honestly, there are too many times that my ego, selfishness, and plain old immaturity get the upper hand against the real me.  I am in constant training for the next “main event” which can happen at any time, without notice; circumstances that present a win or a loss in life. How will I respond?

It all depends on how well I have prepared myself.  I’m certainly not undefeated against myself, but I am committed to becoming a champion.

Boo yah!