Lessons From A Loss

For those of you who are sports addicts, you may very well have seen what is now called the best college football game of all-time. The game in question involved Alabama and its rival, Auburn. Te game ended in a most improbable way and left Alabama's hopes of returning as national champion a virtual nullity. The game of sports and the game of life share a great deal in common. Victory is sweet and defeat is not. It is no surprise that a series of articles have been written in recent days on the reaction of Alabama's coach, Nick Saban, to the disappointing loss.
One article attracted my attention as it dealt with lessons we all need to learn when things do not go the way we intended. Brian O' Keefe, who has spent time with Mr. Saban on occasion, wrote of three lessons that were likely not lost on Mr. Saban since last Saturday's defeat. These lessons apply to all of us in the aftermath of a disappointment or a setback.

1.When things go negative, go positive.
There is no reason to go negative after a defeat. People feel pained enough ass it is. Why not use this occasion to go positive. This is what Nick Saban has trained himself to do. After his recent defeats, President Obama exclaimed that when you are truly down the only way to go is up. That emotional training is a valuable one to possess.

2. Learn from your mistakes.
Things went wrong for Alabama. Whining will not change the result. Why not use the experience as a learning opportunity. You now know your weaknesses. Work on them for the future successes you plan for.

3.Enjoy success and lament failure for a limited period.
Success is enjoyed for 24 hours at the Alabama football field. Defeat is lamented for 24 hours. The future beckons. What can you learn from defeat? You need to try harder to succeed the next time. Defeat becomes a motivator. Not a bad lesson for the game of football. And for the game of life.

Martin Rosenfeld, a fair Lawn Family Law attorney and mediator can be contacted at:Rosenfeld@Juno.Com