Mistakes

  We go through life, and the old saying applies, we win some and lose some. Sometimes we win because of the effort we put in, the drive to accomplish the task at hand. Others, it's sheer luck. The same goes when we do not win. Maybe it's not lack of effort, but trial and error. Just not your time. Then again, it may be because of a detrimental mistake on your part. Win or lose, there are always prices to pay.
  Let's talk about those losses, and the prices.
See, there is always something at stake. Those stakes may be small, or they may be very large. All too many times we bask in the glory of winning and all that comes with it that we let our guards down and lose focus of a) why we are winning and, b) what we need to do to keep winning. We are all human. We will all make mistakes in our lives. I know I have. Big ones that reap consequences. We have all lost something due to a loss and not a win. Whether it's a competition or debate, it's tough. But it's even tougher when we lose at life. Mistakes in life can cost far greater things than simply losing a game or debate. We can lose our best friends, our jobs, even our spouses.
  I look back, I conquer debates. I do the best I can in games, if I lose, I practice for the next game. I prepare. I focus. Now I look at my current flub. Had I only had relentless focus and drive the way I do if it was a debate or a basketball game, I wouldn't be weighing the stress I'm in. I wouldn't be so worried about what I may be losing.
  I have refocused. I have faced my mistake and I see what's needed to fix it. I will be restlessly attacking the routes needed to redeem myself and my character to show that this was a situation where the devil had the best of me due to my lacks. I will not allow myself to fall victim again and hurt the loved ones I hold so dear to my heart. My only fear at the moment is whether or not I'm too late. Is the damage too much to overcome?
  See, there is a huge difference in life and a debate or a game. If I lose a debate, I can go back and study and get my facts right. Reword things the correct way. If I lose a game, I can simply study my opponent from the previous game, analyze my moves, and work harder. It's different in life. The repercussions are tougher and go farther. While we can refocus and conquer whatever it is that caused the fall in the first place, there are more involved. The process is longer and harder. But not impossible.