Generally, in the self-help references, people are divided into these 3 categories.
Players – The Doers
Players, are generally, people who has high level of confidence and faith in themselves. But they are not call winners in this discussion because they don’t win all the time…
But one thing for sure, they believe in what they can do passionately. Thus most of the time, they are consistent in their effort to strive for excellence in their own field of expertise or interest.
To them, Success comes with a price, one of them is failing. Nobody wins forever – but failing is a price that they will gladly pay and learn from it. Success (most of the time) is a combination of Passion + Consistent & Massive Actions + Opportunity and to a certain extent of when you have failed enough times.
“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying”
– Michael Jordan
Here’s one video example:
Losers – The Spoilers
Before they look for a win, somebody has to die in their cause (just kidding on the dying part).
They will pull you down, even if they don’t gain anything. Generally, humans are driven by emotions – they just want to look equal or better than you.
I am sure you have seen your fair share of backstabbers in office politics or in the TV dramas. Speaking of TV, I think the character, Sue Sylvester, played by Jane Lynch, in the singing sensation drama Glee, fits the characteristics of a Loser to a T. (Hopes she gets more friendly… soon)
Spectators – The Watchers
In life, most people are stuck here, willingly or unwillingly. They see actions goes by, friends become successful or unsuccessful – They just remain in their humble circle.
They may be unhappy leading the life they have, but are limited to their negative perception of life – “What if I failed?” But do they really have the answer for it? They probably will never know. But have they really come to terms with the consequences?
Maybe people would tell them “I told you so”, maybe they are afraid of making a fool of themselves. But honestly speaking, this is an opportunity to see who your true friends really are. Those who will stand by you, admiring your courage, and supporting your vision.
In life, many things are worth trying multiple times, even worth failing in the process. But people have become too self-conscious for their own good.
Recall the history of all the great inventions. What if Thomas Edison gave up after trying 9999 lightbulbs? What if Colonel Sanders had stopped his chicken proposal at the 1009th “No”? (Well, we will never find out the actual figure anyway =X)
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
– Thomas A Edison
Do you think the Wright brothers created airplane without any accident along the way? Apple was struggling before dominating the world with its gadgets – And can you imagine that Steve Jobs was “fired” in the process?
Just remember: things are seldom perfect from the start…
“Beliefs have the power to create and the power to destroy. Human beings have the awesome ability to take any experience of their lives and create a meaning that empowers or dis-empowers them”
– Anthony Robbins