"If I wasn't winning, you wouldn't care"

This quote gets right to the heart of something we're all guilty of, whether we realize it or not: paying more attention to winners. It’s a blunt acknowledgment that success draws people in, while failure or mediocrity often gets ignored. This isn't just about sports or competition—it’s a universal truth that can apply to many areas of life.

Think about it. In sports, fans rally around the winning team. They wear the jerseys, buy the tickets, and talk about the games. But when a team is losing? Suddenly, the stadiums aren't as full, and the enthusiasm wanes. It’s a hard truth, but it's a reality.

Let’s take a historical example—Steve Jobs. Back in the early days, Apple wasn’t the tech giant we know today. Jobs even got fired from his own company. But when he came back and led Apple to incredible success, people couldn’t get enough of him. His story became legendary precisely because he became a winner. If Apple had continued to flounder, would we care as much about Steve Jobs? Probably not.

Now, let’s bring it down to a personal level. Imagine you’re at work and you’ve just led a project that was a massive hit. Suddenly, everyone wants your input, your boss is all praise, and your colleagues look to you for guidance. But think back to a time when a project didn’t go so well. What happened then? Were you met with the same enthusiasm? Likely not. It’s not that people don’t care about you; it’s that winning draws attention and admiration.

Here’s some practical advice: Don’t rely solely on external validation. If you’re only working for the applause, you’ll be disappointed when it’s absent. Focus on your personal growth and the value you bring, irrespective of the immediate recognition. Remember, today's failure could be laying the groundwork for tomorrow's victory.

Imagine a young writer struggling to get their book published. They spend years crafting their story, only to face rejection after rejection. It’s disheartening. They’re not winning, so no one seems to care. But they persist. Eventually, a publisher takes a chance on them, and the book becomes a bestseller. Suddenly, everyone wants to talk to them, interview them, hear their thoughts. The validation comes pouring in—not because they suddenly became more interesting, but because they started winning.

This scenario illustrates the quote perfectly. It’s not that the writer’s worth changed; it’s that society's attention did. We love success stories and often, it takes winning to get noticed. But knowing this should also remind us to value our own journey, irrespective of the immediate outcomes.

In the end, we all crave recognition and support. But understanding that this often comes with success can help us stay grounded. Celebrate your wins, learn from your losses, and remember that your worth isn’t solely tied to the victories. That’s a conversation worth having—whether over coffee or in the quiet moments of self-reflection.