1/ When there’s nowhere to go but down
what Happens After we win 1st place?
The goal of every competitor, whether in a team or solo event, is to win. The potential for a win is the buy in. It’s what makes all the long hours worth it. But, what happens AFTER a big win? At the next competition? Have we prepared our children and students for what it might look like to have taken home the big trophy last time, but take 3rd at the next meet? The bigger the win (championship, tournament, Mirrorball, highest scoring for the weekend) the harder the fall at the next loss. For someone who usually comes in the top 10, 2nd place is euphoric. For someone who was first the last time, 2nd feels like failure.
As new seasons start, and age or skill levels advance, we often see last year’s star, being taken down a few pegs ~ literally. We should not shy away from these conversations or think to have them it means we’re accepting defeat before it happens. It’s a part of mature and responsible training.
