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Source for the two photos above: Christina Junker, Maloo Enterprises, LLC. These photos were taken during a time when the crew was stranded near the Farallon Islands. The captain did a great job informing the crew about the situation. The crew also worked together to help contact the Coast Guard since communications were down for a bit.
“Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.” ~ Wilma Rudolph
The term “winner” is tossed around loosely by many people.
What is a “winner”? Is there a single, universally accepted definition?
My definition has evolved over time. A key part of that evolution has been developed from many professional, personal and community (i.e. holistic) failures. Some leaders are offended by the term “failure”. Why not embrace and learn from our non-successes?
We are holistic people that should not be compartmentalized based on our various roles in life such as employee, parent, etc. Thus; I don’t believe we can be a “winner” at work alone, although we may be considered “good” at our job. However, I do believe we can be a “winner” in life while also being a “winner” at work as well.
In the last month, I’ve observed, good and not-so-good, in my life.
- Met with a progressive, intelligent city forecasted to save $2.5M+ (given our success record) with just one of our services.
- Observed a Non-Profit Executive Vice President going out of her way to forfeit $2.1M+ in donations that would help roughly 9,300 people for one full year.
- Ate a great bowl of handmade Graeter’s® Dark Cherry, Chocolate Chip premium ice cream.
- Repaired a part on my car to save a little money.
- Appreciated the spectacular relationships that have for some unknown reason, found their way into my life.
- Reflected on my past, failed relationships.
This is what life looks like. It isn’t just a garden of roses and it isn’t always a briar patch. Enjoy the journey!
So … what is the definition of a “winner”? If you reviewed my Profile, would you consider me a “winner”, “loser” or “someone in-between”?
When I read each person’s Profile, I don’t focus on the text they’ve chosen to write. Much more fascinating to me, is the content in-between the words coupled with the required foundation and Decision Making Quality (DMQ) needed to utter the text they’ve chosen to include in their Profile.
Thus; we return to attempting to understand the definition of “winning”.
My current definition, “the courage to genuinely be you, with all your talents, flaws, etc., while optimizing your talents to positively change the lives of others”. Thus, “winners” bring their holistic-self; professionally, personally and in the community.
What do you think about my definition?
How could I improve it?
What is your definition and how do you measure how well you’re doing?
Finally, if you’ve never done this, it may be a good way for you to “audit” whether you’re living your life to the fullest, in an amazingly spectacular way … pre-plan and pre-pay for your own or someone else’s funeral. I recently did this for the first time. Since you’re planning for the “end” for you or someone else, it helps you to truly evaluate how well you’re leading your holistic, purpose-driven life.
Imagine watching the final 5-minute highlight video of your life, today.
What don’t you see, that you’d love to see, when you watch that final version? Psst … they’re filming today!!
Have you developed your “appreciation muscles” adequately to avoid forfeiting amazingly spectacular opportunities in pursuit of being a “winner” in the ultimate, holistic challenge … life?
Who changes the world? I believe it’s almost exclusively the Top-7%. They are the only ones with the Talent Portfolios and social consciences needed to actually implement significant positive social impact.
If you believe you’re one of these executives, we’d love to explore possible opportunities.
Get Making A Difference! ~ JR
