Winning Isn’t Everything: A Lesson in Praise

Good day, dear reader. Today, I’d like to share a tale from my youth, a story that taught me a valuable lesson about praise and its true worth. It’s a story about winning a game, but not in the way you might think.

The Big Game

As a young lad, I was part of our local school’s cricket team. We were a ragtag bunch, but we had spirit. We were preparing for the biggest game of the season against our fiercest rivals. The anticipation was palpable, and the pressure was immense.

The Unexpected Victory

Against all odds, we won that game. The joy was indescribable. The cheers, the applause, the pats on the back – it was intoxicating. I was the star player that day, and the praise was heaped upon me. I was on top of the world.

The Aftermath

But as the days passed, I began to notice something. The praise that once felt so good started to feel hollow. I realized that I was being lauded not for who I was, but for what I had done. The victory had overshadowed everything else.

The Lesson

That’s when I understood the true nature of praise. Praise is fleeting. It’s dependent on our actions, our successes. But true worth comes from within, not from the accolades we receive. Winning isn’t everything. It’s the journey, the effort, the spirit that truly matters.

Final Thoughts

So, dear reader, remember this: Don’t chase praise. Chase growth. Chase improvement. Chase the joy of doing something you love. The praise will come and go, but the satisfaction of knowing you gave your all, that’s something no one can take away from you.

Until next time, keep growing, keep learning, and remember – you’re more than your victories.

Kev