At the conclusion of a martial arts tournament I’m attending this weekend, the Grand Master said the following in regards to the people who won [In a thick Korean accent]:
“Congratulations! Enjoy this victory. But, don’t get a big head.”
And in regards to the people who lost:
“If you didn’t win today—it’s okay. Now, you have something to train hard for.”
And tying it together he said (and I’m paraphrasing according to memory):
“The people who won today will become comfortable. They will relax. They don’t get the same fire inside. They get big heads. Don’t let that happen to you. Use this experience to keep training hard. Whether you win or lose.”
And it’s a great reminder I’d say to not let your head get big—in whatever space you’re in. And to always find ways you can add fuel to your inner fire—regardless of how your life experiences unfold.
Experiences are experiences. They aren’t inherently good or bad—per se. It’s what we do with the experiences—how we interpret them, shape them, use them—that counts.
…And ultimately, what’ll end up making all of the difference in each of the life experiences that have yet to come.