I could never be a boxer. The thing about boxing or combat sports is that both combatants know they will get hit. They decide to get into the ring, or octagon (or
triangle) and get into it with another individual who intends to beat them, even hurt them if necessary. And yet all for one possibility of the taste of victory. It's a huge gamble; it's a massive gamble! One, which I would not dare take. I couldn't even think of what an individual like
Jorge Masvidal feels when he gets into the cage. Or what
Mike Tyson in his prime felt, or any of his opponents. I couldn't do it. And yet, there's one thing we share in common, the unrelenting desire to win. And any individual who wants to be a leader and be successful as a leader should possess an unrelenting desire to win.
I know leadership isn't a competition. It isn't a competition; that isn't a game when we talk about the lifeblood of an organization and the individuals who are a part of it. It's not like you get more awards and recognition for more service, although some receive accolades for their service. So, what exactly are we saying when we say that we should be in it to win it or that we should possess an unrelenting desire to win?
WIN - W is for
Withstand
In the heat of the battle, it is easy to look for a quick exit. Often individuals in the squared circle may look towards their corner in an intense moment and see if they'll throw in the towel. Most combat athletes would rather "go out on their shield" instead of throwing in the towel. Although there are those that when the cage door is closed, and it's just them and their opponent, the stage gets too big and the lights get too bright; then K.O. The ideal, however, would be to withstand. If you can withstand the onslaught and weather the storm, you'll be able to conquer. Often, we are so close to victory, but we do not know how to withstand it; therefore, we did not get our hands raised. In leadership, we often face various struggles and difficulties, but defying the barrage will be the difference between a vision that comes to life and a stagnant organization.
The best way to withstand those difficult moments is to keep on moving.
"You might be hurt, or injured, or tired, or have something caught in your eye. Or maybe you're ahead on points and don't have the energy to maintain the pace. Knowing how to survive can keep you from getting knocked out." The reason dedication will always outweigh motivation is because dedication says it isn't about how you feel. In those moments when you are breathing hard, and your chest is feeling like it's going to burst, and all your legs want to do is stop, dedication says move. In the words of
Rocky Balboa, "It ain't about how hard you can hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
WIN - I is for
Implement
So, you've done it; you withstood the onslaught and are still standing. Now it's time to implement what you've learned. Having withstood the attack, you can now begin to implement the game plan. We forget that regularly we need to zig and zag and bob and weave. We forget that often we have to be able to pivot as difficulty comes up. Yet, once you have a clear opening, it's time to implement what you've learned. It is during a time of hardship where we identify more about ourselves and those in our corner. It is that intense moment where we see things in a manner that previously, we couldn't. The most dangerous combat athletes learn as the rounds go on and not just learn but implement. Implementing the lessons learned from round one to the next could be the difference between the sweet taste of victory and the bitter taste of defeat.
For leaders, failure and defeat are not the same. Failure isn't the end of you, your team, or the organization you lead.
Failure, when dealt with correctly, actually makes the team stronger, makes you a better leader and helps move the organization forward. Defeat, on the other hand, is a total abandonment of the vision and mission. While failure within itself isn't final, if we stay stuck on the missed opportunities and shots we didn't take (aka failure), it will defeat us. You've withstood all of the difficulties; it's not time to surrender; it's time to implement. This "fast bounceback" is had when we ask - What went well? What did we not take advantage of, which we could have? How can we do more of what is working and avoid what isn't?
WIN - N is for
ne plus ultra
You've done it; you've been able to withstand the attacks and implemented a strategy despite those attacks. The unwavering desire to win requires one more thing, and that's ne plus ultra.
Ne plus ultra is a Latin term that means "no more beyond;" this is when you've given it all you have; as a leader, team, visionaries, and believers of the mission. When we've withstood the difficulties, when we've learned through it all and implemented the lessons learned, then and only then will we have reached the no more beyond. Ne plus ultra says you've gone beyond your limits, and the greatness you possess is evident. Greatness is not a destination; it's the revelation of the authentic you. It becomes revealed when you choose to maintain that unwavering desire to W.I.N.
The elite boxers, combat athletes, and leaders are all known for their unwavering desire to W.I.N. To withstand, to implement, and become the ne plus ultra they understand they can be. When nothing gets in the way of the vision, you are willing to
take up your cross and walk; even if it takes you to Golgotha because you know that there will be an empty tomb at the end.
WIN
Withstand - to stand up against.
Implement - carry into effect.
Ne plus ultra - utmost limit to which one can go.
