Blog #39 – BEING GRACIOUS IN VICTORY AND DEFEAT
In any type of competition, a competitor needs to learn to be gracious in victory and defeat. This type of behavior is one that coaches and parents need to teach their students or children. In many instances, the emphasis of competition is winning. In fact, it is used as a primary tool to motivate students to put forth extra effort, whether that be studying or practicing. Students should be taught that competition is about having fun and doing your best. In any type of competition, a student or child needs to focus on those two goals. Part of those goals is a desire that students improve. Every contest that a student attends is another opportunity for developing performance skills. If a student can derive joy by simply competing rather than winning they would be on the road to success. The number of awards that are won should never determine success. After a defeat, a student or child should focus on what changes need to be implemented to improve in the future. They should also genuinely congratulate any other competitor that excelled in the competition. For the student/child that is viewed as the winner of a contest, it is important that they take the time to provide encouraging words to others that they competed against. Coaches and parents have an obligation of teaching their students or their children the importance of competition. They should teach their students or their children proper behavior after every contest. Those that compete for the right reasons, and that are gracious in victory or defeat, will be gratified by the admiration of their peers and will always be happy no matter the outcome.