"Gagner est une habitude. Malheureusement, perdre aussi."

Success and failure, both, have a way of becoming second nature. They’re more than just outcomes; they become ingrained patterns of behavior. It’s like how you can get into the habit of taking a morning jog or, conversely, hitting the snooze button five times before rolling out of bed. It’s all about the patterns we establish in our lives.

Let’s go back to the origin of this concept. Vince Lombardi, a legendary football coach, famously spoke these words. He wasn’t just talking about sports; he was really diving into human psychology and behavior. Lombardi knew that whatever you do repeatedly, whether it's winning or losing, can become a part of who you are. When a team gets used to winning, they carry that confidence and expectation into every game. The reverse is also true. A team that’s used to losing starts to expect it — and that’s a tough cycle to break.

Think about a salesperson who’s been in a slump. She’s missed her targets for months, and as a result, her confidence has taken a nosedive. When she approaches potential clients, she’s already mentally bracing for rejection. This mindset influences her tone, her body language, and even the words she chooses. It’s not just that she’s been losing sales; she’s started to expect to lose. On the flip side, imagine a salesperson who’s on a winning streak. Every pitch carries an air of enthusiasm and confidence, and clients can sense that. Success breeds success.

So, how do you make winning your habit? Start by setting small, achievable goals. Each little win builds momentum and confidence. Remember, it’s not about overnight success; it’s about consistent, incremental progress. If you’re trying to develop a new skill or habit, keep at it, especially when it’s tough. Persistence is key.

Here’s a practical tip: Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with people who inspire you and push you towards your goals. Their winning mindset can be contagious. Also, celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Every win counts and acknowledging them solidifies that winning habit.

Here’s a story to bring it home. Imagine you’re working on getting fit. You start by jogging a small distance each morning. At first, it’s hard. You’re out of breath, and your legs ache. But you don’t give up. Day by day, you build a habit. After a few weeks, you’re jogging longer distances without feeling wiped out. You start to look forward to your runs. You’ve made winning — in this case, sticking to your fitness goal — a habit. On the other hand, if you skip your jogs and make excuses, you’re building a habit of losing.

In essence, our habits shape our future. Winning and losing aren’t just results; they’re patterns we cultivate. By consciously building positive habits, we can set ourselves up for success. So, next time you’re faced with a challenge, think about the habit you want to form. Will you make winning or losing your habit? The choice — and the effort — is yours.