There's nothing wrong with wanting to win in everything

Recently I have not been able to figure out my high levels of frustration with life.  It finally hit me at a recent volleyball game at the university where I work.  I left the game beside myself, because I watched a team try to claw their way back into a match that they lost control of.  The student "cheering" section was non-existent at the most critical times of the game.  The game was by no means boring.  In fact, it was a match against a major rival for the conference lead.  It occurred to me that I witnessed people who simply don't understand what it means to win, and it arouses a part of me that has been lulled to sleep. 

I come from a winning tradition.  My parents were successful educators, I attended a high school that prides itself on winning inside and outside of the classroom, my career began with the number television station in the market, I continued my career with a radio station which would eventually become rated number one in the market, and I worked for the most-recognized career development organization in the world.  It has taken a severe dip in my attitude to realize that I have always been surrounded by success.  I guess ya gotta get down to get up.

I learned the value of winning at a young age.  At St. Augustine High School, I was a member of the Speech & Debate team.  Even at the age of 40, I run into former speech & debate competitors from other schools who remember our team.  I guess we left an impression.  We wanted to win, and we believed that we were unbeatable.  We came within a few points of winning the overall 1988 state championship, but our national championship dreams were smashed in the first round of the National Catholic Forensic League Tournament.  Still, we walked away from that year believing that we were simply the best, hands-down, no questions asked.  For most of us, that attitude extended well into our professional careers.

Having a winning attitude is neither limited to sports nor is it a sign of some twisted obsession to outdo others as some pseudo-politically correct folks would have you think.  Having a winning attitude is about self-esteem.  It's about an individual knowing that he or she has what it takes to contribute to the success of a team in addition to his or her own success.  It's also about a person understanding that he or she possesses the skill set to become successful.  Some people may not have the skill set, but they may have the sheer will to succeed.  See those of the "I will outwork anybody" ilk.

Winning isn't everything, but it sure feels good.