Be a winner

Mary, from A Merry Life, wrote an interesting post today about wanting to win.  She writes:

Because I won, I had fun.

Back when I was obese I had to win at every game I played or every endeavour I attempted.  If I couldn’t be the best I wasn’t interested.  And I wasn’t shy about tweaking the conditions to make sure I won.  I am no longer like that.  I think I’m not that afraid to admit I struggle with certain things.  I can participate in things and enjoy them without having to win.

I actually think that I had to win at everything because I felt like a failure inside.  Obesity is not fun and is not something you can hide.  I had to win at everything else to be a worthwhile person.

This is quite linked to how my fitness journey started.  I’m still working on that post!

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April 14, 2010 | Filed Under Interesting 

Comments

15 Responses to “Be a winner”

  1. seth@1010in2010No Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 11:06 am

    I had read her post and thought – yeah, I’m like that too. I had never thought of it with your perspective either.
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  2. MichelleNo Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 11:09 am

    Interesting, I don’t think any of us like to lose, but I have learned with age that winning isn’t everything and its the experiences gained and lessons learned that make you a better person.
    I think it also has a lot to do with becoming comfortable with yourself, accepting who you are and cherishing your strengths :)
    .-= Michelle´s last blog ..7 hours in to a 100km run =-.

  3. MissaNo Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 12:01 pm

    I am listening to the Shatner mashup you posted on Jack Sh*t’s post today and it flippin’ rocks. You made me smile today man.. Totally!!

    Have a rockin’ day!

    Cheers,
    Missa
    LosingEthel

  4. GregNo Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 12:13 pm

    It’s interesting that you say that, because I used to be the same way, but perhaps for different reasons. I think I’ve had to learn to accept competing against myself, rather than others. Otherwise, I would just quit…
    .-= Greg´s last blog ..Can A High Fat Breakfast Be Healthy? =-.
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  5. Diane Fit to the FinishNo Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 12:32 pm

    I really liked that post too! I am very competitive by nature and have to reign it in with the kids!
    .-= Diane Fit to the Finish´s last blog ..Owning Your Plan =-.
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  6. AndrewNo Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 12:56 pm

    It does eh! I’m going to put it up here tomorrow I reckon! :)
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  7. AndrewNo Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 12:56 pm

    Amen!
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  8. Jody - Fit at 52No Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 2:13 pm

    I need to get over to Mary’s site. I was there earlier before this post.

    I am with you though. When I was heavy, I wanted to be good at the things I tried because it would prove I was better than what people saw in that fat girl.

    Now, I still want to be really good in the gym cause that is where I feel the best. Hard to break the habit or thought process.
    .-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Pledge for Better Health – GIVEAWAY TOO! =-.

  9. JosieNo Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 2:33 pm

    I’m selective….I tend to be competitive at things I’m passionate about, but not other things. I’m learning how to accept defeat and success. Both are difficult for me to accept at times.
    .-= Josie´s last blog ..Run for Music 10K – WOW! =-.
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  10. LisaNo Gravatar on April 14th, 2010 3:14 pm

    I wonder how much it has to do with proving that you can be successful AND overweight … so one ends up overcompensating. I hate that when you are overweight people assume that you are a bit stupid as well – hence the overcompensating and needing to prove ourselves?
    .-= Lisa´s last blog ..The Great Forest Half Marathon =-.

  11. VavaNo Gravatar on April 15th, 2010 8:24 am

    Not to discount your assessment in any way, but I also suspect that maturity might also have somthing to do with it. I know that once I had kids my competitiveness, which was sometimes destructive in my youth and into my twenties, subsided (and I have never been obese).

    Whatever the reason, it’s just another unexpected benefit of your fitness and health journey!

  12. AndrewNo Gravatar on April 15th, 2010 10:03 am

    You are most probably correct!
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  13. JayNo Gravatar on April 16th, 2010 11:08 am

    I’m still pretty competitive in everything I do.. maybe I’ll grow out of that? But then again, it drives me to be better – is that something I want to lose? I don’t think so..
    .-= Jay´s last blog ..Fast Food Shopping =-.
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  14. Mr. MeltdownNo Gravatar on April 18th, 2010 2:57 am

    Wow I thought that I was the only one that felt like that. Being obese right now puts me in that same mind set. I always try to make sure that I do a great job at everything to compensate for my obesity.

    But I have finally got to the point to know it is OK just to participate in things. For me it is not always about winning anymore it is just about being part of the action. You know what I mean?
    .-= Mr. Meltdown´s last blog ..Raw Food Diet Recipies Episode 1 =-.
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  15. beejNo Gravatar on April 24th, 2010 6:31 pm

    This is a great insight. I think I might be getting a little more competitive since I’ve lost weight. Maybe becuase I knwo I can actually compete. Dunno.
    .-= beej´s last blog ..How much a year changes =-.
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