The Winner's Conundrum
5 Tips about Successful people
KEEPING WINNERS as friends—and by winners, I mean very smart, successful, highly competent individuals — can be daunting and challenging.
Have you ever had a close friend who can not and does not lose at any activity? How does that make you feel? Are you genuinely happy for their success, or do you feel like a failure in their presence? Sometimes, they become our competition, which can lead to disdain or envy. In competitive shows like Big Brother and the Challenge, players who seem like threats (those who often win challenges) are targeted for elimination, irrespective of how their allies profess love for them. It’s human nature.
Usually, negative feelings towards winners emanate from misunderstanding their nature and personal struggles.
Hence, these are some tips to better understand winners —
- Winners fail, too. Before anyone became successful, they had their shortcomings. Some overcame things like speech impediment, fear, or performance anxiety. Others were ridiculed and spurned for their out worldly ideas. J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Porter” was rejected by no less than 12 publishers until it was published in 1995. So, if we were a bit curious about a winner’s history, we may be less critical and spiteful.
- Winners understand failure but hate to fail. Often, you will hear a winner say “If you learn from it, it’s not failure.” But does that mean they love to fail? Heck, no! When winners lose, the entire world bears witness. Recently, Falcon 9 defied launch expectations of Space X. Imagine how Elon Musk must have felt as the world grumbled? Hence, winners strive to mitigate failure at all costs. Forgive their extreme go-getter attitude.
- Winners struggle with emotional intelligence. Sometimes, successful people are not the best leaders or employers because of their hands-on, result-oriented approach to issues more than cater to employees' welfare. But their pragmatic, logical approach to issues stems from the onus to be proficient at all times. Some people may never understand or bear the burden of leadership, so how about we give them little benefit of doubt?
- Winners are somewhat weird. Winners think differently. They love to swing the pendulum. A daredevil approach to life is how they survive. For instance, every actor wants a stunt double, but Tom Cruise would halo jump by himself— it’s crazy! But it makes mission impossible, possible. Their mannerisms may be unusual, but if you are patient with them, you would realize that it makes them inimitable.
- Winners are principled but compassionate. They abide by rules or guidelines that direct their lifestyle, especially spending habits. Hence, Condone’s 40/40/20 rule. But beyond their stringent rules, most successful people are caring, evinced by their charitable habits. They sponsor good causes, offer scholarships, and cater to their families. Winners may be unable to fix the world’s problems, but they strive to make it comfortable. Those who befriend winners can attest to their adept problem solving skills.
Successful people are often misjudged for their winning streak and mannerisms. But winners go through a similar everyday struggle. Dwayne Johnson was undrafted in the NFL, grinded in Canada before finding his fortune in WWE and Hollywood. Should he not be permitted to raise the People’s Brow every now and then?
Winners encounter adversity, even after finding their purpose. They are ordinary people who, through sheer preparation and perseverance, attained success. They should be applauded for their accomplishments rather than consistently demeaned, vilified, and vituperated.
