Learning to Lose, Growing to Win
Have you ever tried something new, got really excited at the beginning… and then it didn’t go as planned? Maybe you started practicing for a school race, but missed a few days. Or you promised yourself to do 20 push-ups every morning, but then forgot a few times. You might have thought, “I failed.”
But here’s the truth: You didn’t fail—you learned.
What Is Success, Really?
Success isn’t about doing something perfectly the first time. It’s about trying, making mistakes, and trying again. Every challenge or setback is a step toward getting better. That’s how we grow stronger—not just in our bodies, but in our minds too.
Think about a video game. Do you pass every level the first time? Probably not! You might lose a life, figure out what went wrong, and then get closer to beating the level next time. Life works the same way.
Kara’s Story
Let’s look at a girl named Kara. She decided to get more active and made a goal to do a short workout every day. She started off great, full of energy! But then life got busy—homework, a cold, a family trip—and she missed a few days. Kara felt disappointed. Maybe she even thought about quitting.
But then Kara remembered something important: Missing a day doesn’t mean giving up. It just means it’s time to start again. Instead of being hard on herself, Kara adjusted her plan. Some days, she only had time for 10 minutes of movement—and that was still a win!
Would you be mad at a friend who was trying their best but needed a break? No way! So don’t be too hard on yourself either.
Be Kind to Yourself
Sometimes we’re our own worst critics. We say things in our heads we’d never say to a friend: “I’m not good at this.” “I messed up again.”
Instead, try saying:
“It’s okay to try again.”
“I’m learning something new.”
“Every step counts, even small ones.”
That’s called self-compassion, and it’s one of the most important things you can practice.
Real-Life Inspiration: Terry Fox
Have you heard of Terry Fox? He was a Canadian hero who tried to run across Canada with one leg after losing the other to cancer. He didn’t finish the full run, but he inspired millions. He didn’t see that as failure—he saw it as part of his journey. Today, people across Canada still run every year in his name!
Try This:
Think of a time when something didn’t go as planned. What did you learn from it?
Talk to someone (a parent, teacher, or coach) who’s had to overcome challenges. What did they do?
Write a new goal for yourself. Not a perfect one—a realistic one. And remember, it’s okay to adjust it along the way.
The road to success isn’t a straight line. It’s full of twists, turns, and lessons. So next time you stumble, don’t stop. Take a deep breath, smile, and try again. That’s not failure—it’s how champions are made.
