How to Win When it Feels Like You’re Losing in Your Leadership
By Jayson Krause, Managing Director of Level 52 & Award-Winning Author of The Science Behind Success
In the immortal words of Charlie Sheen, "Winning!" But let's be honest, it's not always about tiger blood and Adonis DNA. Sometimes, it's about picking yourself up after a fall, dusting off the dirt, and getting back in the game.
Leading a business (and life in general), is a roller coaster ride. One moment you're on top of the world, the next you're plunging into the abyss. You make a major mistake, and it feels like the end of the world. But here's the thing - it's not the end of the world. It's just a detour, a plot twist, a bump in the road.
Why? Because winning has a magical way of making us forget the pain of loss. It's the great mixture that heals the deepest wounds, and the antidote to all poisons.
But what does it mean to win? Is it about beating the competition, making the most money, or getting the most likes on social media? Not quite. Winning is about overcoming obstacles, rising above challenges, and becoming a better version of yourself. It's about learning, growing, and evolving. It's about turning your mess into your message, your test into your testimony, your trial into your triumph.
So, how do you win when it feels like you're losing?
Embrace the Mistake: The first step to winning is accepting that you made a mistake. It's not about pointing fingers or playing the blame game. It's about owning up to your actions, taking responsibility, and learning from the experience. Remember, mistakes are not failures, they're feedback. They're not setbacks, they're setups for comebacks.
Focus on What's Important Now (WIN): When you're in the midst of a crisis, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation. But instead of getting lost in the chaos, ask yourself, "What's Important Now?" This simple question can help you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.
Turn Pain into Power: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, use your pain as fuel for your journey. Let it drive you, motivate you, and inspire you to rise above your circumstances.
Celebrate Small Wins: Winning is not just about big victories, it's also about small wins. Every step you take towards your goal, no matter how small, is a win. So, celebrate your progress, not just your outcomes.
Keep Moving Forward: The road to success is paved with obstacles, but every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise. So, keep moving forward, keep pushing through, keep striving for greatness. Remember, it's not about how fast you go, but how far you go.
Cultivate a Winning Mindset: Winning starts in the mind. It's about believing in yourself, backing yourself, and betting on yourself. It's about seeing challenges as opportunities, setbacks as setups, and obstacles as stepping stones.
Build a Winning Team: Winning is a team sport. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not drag you down. People who believe in you, support you, and inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
Winning is not about never making a mistake. It's about never letting a mistake define you. It's about turning your wounds into wisdom, your scars into stars, and your pain into your power. So, the next time you make a major mistake, remember - it's not the end of the world. It's just the beginning of your comeback story.
As the great Vince Lombardi once said, "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is." So, keep wanting, keep striving, keep winning.
