There is an intelligence that can come from losing.
That may sound crazy or defeatist. But it is true.
Certainly, losing can hurt. Burn. Feel like your insides-are-on-the-outside.
But when the emotions are less raw, a coach on a path of improvement knows there are lessons that are powerful in the loss. Helpful information for the athletes, the team, the coach.
When the crowd wants you to fail. Parents are questioning. Athletes doubtful. A good coach will improve from losing.
The process is hard. Bill Parcells did it numerous times The Tough Work of Turning Around a Team
It requires:
- patience
- a vision of the end goal
- level 3 thinking
Intelligent losing won’t mean the next contest will be a “W.”
All it ensures is that you will be “better.”
And that in itself is a win.