PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT - 10 Things That Make You a Winner

Article by Akshata Prabhu

All of us want to be famous, be rich, be successful, be respected…all of us want to win. Be it a student trying to get the highest grade, a politician trying to get votes or a CEO trying to market his brand, the joy in that victory, in the sense of achievement when your target is met is unbounded. So what, exactly, makes one a winner? Doesn’t it hold different meanings for different people?

Well, true. So, what I call a ‘winner’ here is a general idea of that person who can, and who will, no matter what, achieve his/her goal. Does this mean no failures at all? A person who has faced no obstacles? No! Have a look to see our list of what some people have to say about the things that distinguish the winners from the losers, each with a tiny little interpretation from our side!

10. “Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future.” - Denis Waitley

There’s a lot that we regret when we think back to those good ol’ times. That summer break you wish you hadn’t procrastinated through, that money you wish you hadn’t splurged, anything that might even slightly have contributed to a setback you’re facing today.
Well, guess what? Who cares! Remembering the past and wishing it were different brings you nothing but a migraine. Always remember, e.v.e.r.y event, no matter how good or bad it was, has helped a tiny bit in shaping you to who you are today. If you hadn’t procrastinated, you wouldn’t have discovered that great band! If you hadn’t splurged, you wouldn’t have had that camera you love! Embrace your past, learn from your mistakes, and move on, champ.

9. “I believe there’s an inner power that makes winners or losers. And the winners are the ones who really listen to the truth of their hearts.” - Sylvester Stallone

This one’s a little harder to decode. Listen to the truth in my heart, you say? Well, my interpretation is this: Do what you want to do. It’s that simple. There are times when you face difficulties or obstacles, and there are a gazillion ‘well-wishers’ trying to help you out. But get this: Would you copy from your best friend’s answer sheet, if you know she got a completely different question paper? Obviously not, right? Similarly, life poses different question papers for all of us. Doing what someone else thinks is right won’t help you ace your own question paper. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for listening to some rock-solid awesome advice. But in the end, do what you want to do, amigo!

8. “What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate.” - Donald Trump

This one’s easy. Don’t say ‘OH NO!’ when a new twist creeps up on you. For all you people who want to achieve your goals, get this: You will, at some point of time, have to deal with something that wasn’t in the plan. Don’t get disheartened, or don’t panic. My advice? Think to yourself ‘Aha. I knew something strange would come up’, and deal with it calmly. The victory shall be yours!

7. “You can never quit. Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” - Ted Turner

A no brainer, really. There are a lot of times we feel like throwing our hands up in the air and yelling, “I GIVE UP!” Well, then, at moments like these, always ask yourself this: Why did I start doing this? Does it really not mean anything to me? Your answer will probably be no. All of us keep goals with very valid, justifiable reasons in mind, and you just need a little reminder to get that kick-start. You know, J.K. Rowling got rejected by dozens of publishers for Harry Potter initially. What if SHE’D quit? *gasps*

6. “Failures are expected by losers, ignored by winners.” - Joe Gibbs

You faced your obstacles and you… lost. That’s sad. Whine for a minute. Then, check what you did wrong. And then, all you have to do is move ahead! Ignore it when things don’t go your way, and don’t ever let your losses discourage you from trying anything awesome, crazy or reckless that you think might really pay off. Don’t flinch, or expect anything to backfire! If it does, it’s okay, but it’s no valid justification for living a life expecting to lose every single time. Be fearless, people!

5. “Winners do what losers don’t want to do.” - Gary Busey

Aha. The lazy bug. There are times when you get brilliant opportunities and all you think is …”I’m too tired. More of these will come along”. Well, guess what, there’s no guarantee that this isn’t the last one knocking at your door. When you’re out to achieve your goal, you need to be totally into the task at hand, and that means no excuses, mister. Put on a smile, and get to work, and you just wait, it’s all going to pay off.

4. “A winner rebukes and forgives; a loser is too timid to rebuke and too petty to forgive.” - Sydney J. Harris

Ouch. This one’s a little harsh. But let’s look at the good side. I think what Mr. Harris here is trying to say is, don’t be afraid to speak up your mind, but at the same time, don’t hold grudges, or try to pull anyone down. There are times when you face severe competition, and that’s when things get a little ugly. Put up a good fight, and stand up for what you believe in, stand up for your goals, but at the same time don’t try to belittle or demean anyone else who’s trying to achieve the same thing as you are. Remember, even if you lose, be a GOOD loser. It, ironically enough, helps you become a better winner.

3. “Always imitate the behaviour of the winners when you lose.” - George Meredith

Now now, read carefully. The quote does not say ‘imitate the winners’, no no. It says ‘imitate the behaviour of the winners’. Like I’ve said before, always be true to yourself, but when times are hard, it’s a good idea to look up to those role models, the ones who managed the impossible. Have a person whom you look up to, and look at him/her for inspiration. Every time you face a difficulty, think, what would HE do? Channel their spirit, and you’re all set!

2. “There are two kinds of people in this world: Michael Jackson fans and losers.” - Seth Green

Always, always, listen to the King of Pop. You simply must. Ha, kidding, but there’s a different kind of lesson to be learnt from here too. We get it, you’re focused on your goal, you’re in it to win it, but hey, you don’t need to stress yourself out. Take out some me-time, relax and enjoy, and yes, you can always dance to the MJ beats once in a while.

1. “You learn how to be a gracious winner and an outstanding loser.” - Joe Namath

Congratulations, you achieved your goal. But you still have to do one tiny thing to maintain your winner status: Be gracious about it. I know, it’s a basic instinct to rub it in people’s faces, but such victory, my friends, is pretty short lived, if not accompanied by a vast number of loved ones to share your victory with. On the other hand, if you didn’t achieve your goal, keep your head held high, and tell to yourself that ‘Hey! I tried my best’. That, my friend, makes you a winner after all.