Sometimes You Lose

No one likes to lose; we play to win; we expect to win. We take jobs, we build businesses, we enter into all kinds of relationships, and we absolutely do not expect to lose.

But according to Beyoncé,

"The reality is, sometimes you lose. And you're never too good to lose, you're never too big to lose, you're never too smart to lose, it happens. And it happens when it needs to happen. And you have to embrace those things."

We often look back on our lives and realize that if this “bad” thing had never happened, this “good” thing could never have happened either.  Bad things sometimes happen for a good reason – we just can’t see it at the time.  We’ve always heard that when one door closes a window opens (or sometimes another door).  Look for those openings, those opportunities. 

The year 2020 has brought much loss.  Our lives have changed dramatically.  It’s alright to grieve. Whether it’s the loss of sports in a senior year, the loss of walking across the stage to receive a diploma, the loss of a job, or a   business or even the loss of a loved one, we should grieve.  As Beyoncé said, “You have to embrace those things.”  Hold them to you, and then, let them go.  Take another breath.  Look for the opportunity to learn more, to do more, to try something new, to rebuild. 

The world is full of wonderful success stories built on the foundation of tragedy and failure. 

Wilma Rudolph lost the use of her leg at the age of four and was told she would never walk; she went on to win three Olympic Gold Medals for running. 

German composer Ludwig Van Beethoven lost his hearing; he went on to write some of his greatest music. 

Michael Jordon lost his place on his high school basketball team; he went on to be one of the most revered people to ever play the game. 

A loss may change our path a bit or give us a completely new direction.  We can let loss devastate us, or let it give us new determination.  Losing, Beyoncé said, “happens when it needs to happen.”  An arguable conclusion, but one that resonates. When we look back on a great loss, from the window of time, we often can see that the growth from that loss put us on a path to success and happiness.  Not always, and certainly not without effort on our part.  But loss should not be looked upon as an end.  It should be looked upon with the future in mind; what’s next?  What is the opportunity that is there for you now?  As Beyoncé reminds us, “You have to embrace those things.”