The societal stigma attached to the word defeat has made it something we are taught to fear. It is something we are taught is negative. It is something that we see as failure. Defeat is something we are taught from a young age that we cannot allow into our lives.
I see it differently. Defeat is necessary for all of us.
Defeat is not negative. Defeat is a reality. There is always a winner and a loser. And sometimes, actually often, it is more helpful to be the loser. Why? I hear you asking. Why would we want to lose?
We cannot win all the time. We have to experience setbacks. We have to experience defeat. If we do not, then we will not be able to recognise where we need to improve. We will have no insight into how to refocus our efforts.
We will also not understand how the other side feels when we win. And it is by experiencing defeat that we will develop empathy for those that find themselves defeated. Being defeated teaches humility as well.
Being defeated can be a very positive experience. But you have to be of that mind set to realise that there are lessons to learn in life, and living through defeat is one of them.
Defeat is not the bitter pill that we have been taught it is. Defeat can contribute so much to your growth as a human.
Don’t aim for defeat, but don’t fear it either.