Today is two days after the midterm election day in America. A lot was riding on this election day, and yet I’m sure quite a few Americans didn’t take advantage of their right to vote. It’s a discouraging fact that often a candidate wins simply due to a lack of voter turnout versus a love of said candidate. Is that really winning or rather just tolerating the status quo?
Competition can be a great aspect of life. It pushes us to do our best, to try harder, to extend our limits, and to grow as a person. Competition can be fun and engaging and part of a playful and exciting love of life. The problem with competition is when winning at all costs takes away our humanity. When winning isn’t really about winning, but rather seeing the other lose.
Winning to see another lose isn’t collaboration, it isn’t kindness, and ultimately it isn’t good for us. Winning and losing is illusory, in that it’s how we look at it that matters versus the result in the moment. Using winning and losing to divide people and divide a country isn’t really winning, is it? I don’t think so.
Using winning and losing to divide people and divide a country isn’t really winning, is it? I don’t think so. #winning #voting #leadership #collaboration Click To TweetI do want my candidates to win. I want them to do better, be better, grow, include, lead, and motivate. Winning to me is showing up in the best way that I can, leading myself and others to more fulfilled, joyful, productive, and kind lives. Maybe the problem isn’t winning, but rather how we use and define the concept of winning.
Today I’m going to ponder winning and make sure that I’m clear on what it means to me and my country. Winning to me was having the right to vote. It’s something I will never take for granted and I hope you won’t either. Whether your candidates won their race or not, think about what winning as a people looks like. Is it division, name calling, and hatred or is it something kinder and more collaborative?
Love,
Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC
I campaigned outside for a candidate on election day. It was cold, windy, and raining. A day most people would want to stay inside. Yet, I saw mothers pushing strollers, seniors walking with support, young adults voting for the first time and people in general making time to vote. It was a great election day turn out. Yet, today, my candidate is behind by one vote. ONE VOTE! I want to win but overall it was an amazing experience and it gives me hope.
Kelley, wow! Thank you for campaigning and encouraging others. People think their vote doesn’t matter but it does. There was a stronger turnout in this election but we need to increase it dramatically. All Americans should be voting. Good luck to your candidate!