Win OR Lose?

 

Right up front let me acknowledge that the idea for today's article and podcast do not come from me. I was listening to a video from John C. Maxwell and his "Minute with Maxwell" video series, and I REALLY liked what he shared on this topic. You can watch it here . You can also sign up for "Minute with Maxwell" to be delivered to your own e-mail address on that same page.  

For most of us - if not all of us - we normally think of this type of thing where there is a winner and there is a loser. One person (or team) wins and the other loses. I love the example that Mr. Maxwell gives about what happens when, over a period of time, the same person wins while competing with the same person that, of course, always loses. 

In case you didn't watch that video clip, I'll tell you what happens. (Actually, if you think about it for a moment, you likely already know the answer). The person that always loses will no longer be interested in "playing" or "competing". 

Why? Because no one likes to continually lose. Most people do NOT want to participate if it has been proven that they will likely lose. Every. Single. Time. 

And, by the way, this is NOT promoting the "everyone gets a trophy" and "we don't keep score so that no one experiences losing" type of mentality. C'mon, now. That's not real life and, by following this type of mentality, we (adults) are not doing our job of preparing our young people for a realistic future. 

But, is it possible to create an environment that is a "Win-Win" situation for all involved? Well, it's not likely that it will be that way for ALL involved (there are many reasons why this is so and many of them have to do with the attitude of some individuals), BUT, perhaps, there is a way to create more of  this than we may think. 

Think about it... business is an easy example of this concept. Specifically as it deals to companies making a profit while, at the same time, those that distribute that companies product also makes money. And, this usually takes place along several levels. As long as everyone along that "chain" is happy with the amount of money that they make ("profit"), then it is a "win-win-win-win", etc. situation. 

See what I mean? 

The problem comes when someone along that chain becomes dissatisfied because someone else (up the "chain") is making more than them. They get greedy and, instead of being happy with their profit (and their level of responsibility that accompanies that level of profit) they begin to, as I said, get greedy and begin the process towards a miserable existence. 

I don't always have to make ALL of the profit available in order to be successful or happy. Right? I can share the profit with others and, often, by doing so, I can actually expand my ability to the point that I can actually make MORE overall profit as a result. As a matter of fact, those that try to "do it all" and "make it all" themselves usually end up failing in the process. 

Get the point yet? 

In the same way, just as I don't have to make ALL of the profit, I don't have to "win" in ALL areas in order to share that "winning" with others along the way. I can "win" and you can "win" as well. The only one that loses is the one that chooses to sulk, pout and try to figure out how to completely keep all of the "winning" to and for themselves. 

Oh yeah, and when you help others "win", guess what happens? They become even more productive and you "win" even more . Too, don't sell short the fact that you WIN even just from the knowledge and feeling that comes from helping others do more and be more along the way. 

BE SURE TO WATCH THAT VIDEO THAT I GAVE YOU THE LINK TO ON THIS! It's very short (it's called "MINUTE with Maxwell" for a reason) and worth the watch. I also encourage you to sign up to have it sent to your e-mail. It's another great "tool" to ad to your routine to help keep positive thoughts coming to your mindset.

So, as you go about your day today (or tomorrow), start looking at how you can create more "win - win"  and less "win - lose" scenarios. I wish you much success in this endeavor. Truth is, if you find ways to do this successfully, you WILL experience much success!

Be sure to come back for the next article and be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article. And, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Always a Winner!

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I'm not sure where it all began but I have always viewed myself as a WINNER! Now, that doesn't mean that I didn't have the normal ups and downs as a teenager or that I've always had a "winner mentality" even as an adult! So, right off, don't get me wrong about that.

But, when even struggling through those tough times and even some "dark" times I've always come through the other side realizing that life was, indeed, worth living and that I had something of value to offer.

I don't remember my parents ever instilling "positive mental attitude" in me while I was growing up but, still, I do know that I tended to have a more positive outlook than many of those around me. I can't remember what grade I was in but it was somewhere around 5th - 7th grade that, apparently, some adult that knew me felt that I had that extra "something" in me and put my name in for me to get a catalog to start my own business selling shoes via a catalog. I didn't do it and didn't even fully realize that this meant someone actually considered me at this age for this, but I DID realize this years later and it made an impact on me.

Wow! Someone - I'm guessing an adult - saw something in me that told them that I might have what it takes to start my own "business" at an early age. Many times others see "it" in us long before we realize we have "it". Thanks to whoever it was. I'll never know, but THEY knew and they planted a seed.

I am a winner. Regardless!

I am a winner regardless of what others say or think about me.

I am a winner regardless of what life brings my way.

I am a winner regardless of what my actions - when I'm not exhibiting that "winner mentality - my bring my way.

I am a winner regardless of how many people read or don't read my blog and do or don't listen to my podcast when I do them.

I am a winner as long as I have planted some positive seed in some person's life along the way.

I am a winner even if I never know who that person is or what became of that seed that was planted.

I am a winner because I am made in the image of God Almighty. And that, my friend, puts me on a powerful and positive track from day one.

That's right, I'm a winner. Always have been and always will be.

And you?

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

So, Winner or Loser?

Hook up with me on my Facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

So, the other day I had a teenager called me a "loser". It was a little bit in a joking way but, at the same time, he was trying to be a bit insulting. My reply?   "No sir, I've always been a winner and I will always be a winner. Let me know when you'd like to experience the same!"

After that little conversation I got to thinking, "What is it that has someone come up with the idea that they are either a winner or a loser?" Sure, I know that "self-talk" and "self-belief" has a lot to do with it but, what I began to question was what about those people (young people, for example) that never learn those practices? What determines for them - in their minds - whether they are winners or losers?

Many of you may not know but my wife and I have been working with foster kids for the past 8 months (as I write this) and it is easy to see where many of these young people can get the "I'm a loser" mentality. But, is it all environment?

I am not sure that you could ever say that it is ALL environment but, with certainty, I can say that environment plays a HUGE and MAJOR part in the development of one's own self-worth.

Let's get personal. What about YOU and your view of your self-worth. Do you view yourself as a WINNER or a LOSER? Think about it...be open and honest and take a moment, go to the website for my fan page above and leave your thoughts. Or, if that is too public, you can send me an e-mail at mike@futureyouuniversity.com - I won't reveal any pertinent information about anything sent to me via that e-mail address but I may share just the general thoughts shared there. If you'd rather me not share anything that you share with me - I will keep your wish, o.k.?

So...WINNER or LOSER... which is it and how have you come to that conclusion? I'm waiting to hear from YOU!

Until then, whatever you do, wherever you go, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Winner or Loser?

So, do you consider yourself a WINNER or a LOSER? And, who or what do you base that consideration on? I'll probably be discussing this over the next few days and/or weeks on the Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/futureyouuniversity) as well as here...be watching and I'd love to even have your feedback now with this initial introduction.

Give it some thought...this is BIG for each and every one of us as well as our children and grandchildren. Until next time, please leave your comments on the facebook fan page listed earlier and, as always, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)

Mike