Sunday, February 5, 2012
An Example of Not Settling
My 13 year old son is having a great season wrestling, with a record 35-2. He was at a competitive tournament last week and lost. He got 2nd place. He shook the winner's hand graciously. He was disappointed but not disheartened, and more motivated and determined than anything else. There was the usual fanfare ..trophies, pictures, medals, etc. On the way out of the building he had all these awards in his hands and threw them in the garbage can. My husband said , "Why did you do that?" My son answered, "I don't want 2nd place. "
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I like that he shook hands and showed respect for the winners...too bad a lot of our professional athletes haven't learned that lesson..
ReplyDeleteGood sportsmanship is one of the first marks of good character. Good for him.
ReplyDeleteGood for him for good sportsmanship, and good for him for not settling!
ReplyDeleteTell him that Odie in NC is very proud of his accomplishments
ReplyDeleteThat's an amazing record! I am sure he will win more!
ReplyDeleteHello, thank you for stopping by and leaving a kind comment and following.
ReplyDeleteYour son must be very motivated to be first and in such a competitive world I am sure he will do well. First certainly has it's own rewards.
Blessings today
Rebecca
You son has got the attitude of a champion.He's sure to become one soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good kid you have raised there! I'm sure he is going to have a lot of success in the long run! xo Diana
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ReplyDeleteHi, After reading my comment I thought you might think I was too harsh on your son's actions. I understand his reason to motivated himself to a higher standard. I feel at times kids (people) are too hard on themselves.
DeleteHere is my original comment:
Hello Thanks for visiting my blog and your sweet comment. Your son demonstrated good sportsmanship at the end of his game. I do not think he should have tossed out his 2nd place awards. A Silver medal in the Olympics is as admirable as Gold or even Bronze. A desire to be the best is awesome and number two pretty amazing. Joyous Wishes, Linda
Hi there, Thank you for visiting me; I've joined you as well. My oldest daughter has five children ages 10-2 yrs and this sounds like one of the grandsons. What a great attitude of perseverance and wanting to do your best.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Sunday.
Noreen
Wow. I honestly love it when kids set standards for themselves. Particularly when he even was incredibly gracious while he was disappointed. That shows true character and you couldn't ask for anything more as a Mom.
ReplyDeleteyou kid kicks @$$, yep he does...I don't think he's a poor sport I think he's a HOSS! I hope I can raise sons like that who don't just settle and let life happen to them...not that they have to be perfect, but they would always strive for excellence...cool story. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI watched a documentary on Olympic athletes and it said that 2nd place was THE most difficult place. You feel as though if you had just tried a little harder, done a little better, you could have gotten that Gold medal. Whereas, with the Bronze Medal, you were just happy to be on the podium. I think that is probably how your son felt...I've been there, and second place feels pretty disheartening! You've just got to keep trying and trying! But he should be so proud of himself, as I know you are proud of him for beating out all of the other competitors behind him!
ReplyDeleteYour son is such a wonderful boy. He has lots of determination and that is how one can survive in today's world. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday. x
ReplyDeleteWow- it sounds like your son is a fantastic wrestler with a lot of determination. I wish him the best. Glad to hear he was such a good sport- I know sometimes it is tough for kids to shake hands and congratulate the winner.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a very talented son. I admire that he was gracious to the first place winner. I may have been disappointed that he threw out the second place trophy, but he has his standards...and should not settle for second if he really wanted first! Good for him.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from CyberConnect blog hop,
Renee
I think it is awesome that he was so gracious and shook the hand of the winner. But, I have to call to question the throwing out of the awards. Second place is not First place, but there is still no shame in taking Second Place - especially in what was likely a decent size field. I would have used it as a learning moment. Letting him know that I am glad that he always strives to be First, that it was an excellent display of sportsmanship to be gracious and shake the hand of the winner, but to 'throw out' your performance (awards) because you took second was not a good thing. Those awards should stand as a reminder that you have to keep trying and even if you always are at the top of your game, eventually you will encounter someone that is just that much better and that should serve as a reason to keep on trying and keep on working to become even better. There is no shame in second place.
ReplyDeleteI don't want 2nd place either. I want to pursue excellence for Jesus everyday and model that for my kids!
ReplyDeleteI love that your son was so gracious to the other person who won, but it is sad that he trashed all of his second place awards. He should be proud of himself no matter what place he comes in, and maybe the awards could even remind him that he wants first place the next time!
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that he was gracious, but I have to admit that I would have dug those trophies out of the trash myself and taken them home!
ReplyDeleteFully understand his feeling but he shouldn't dump those award he got. For me it is a reminder to aim for top spot!
ReplyDeleteDid you dig those trophies out of the trash? :-D I think it's great he's so motivated and yes, good sportsmanship!
ReplyDeleteKeep the award! He sounds like an awesome, motivated boy!
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks for stopping by and for the GFC follow. I'm here, happily following back! Glad my tutorials on Google+ helped a little.
ReplyDeleteI'm very familiar with the competitive nature of middle children from larger families. (my hubby is the oldest of 7 with an 18 year span between himself and the youngest)
Have a great week!
What a great sportsman. Good for your son on his sportsman ship and for not settling. He'll be a winner everytime in my book.
ReplyDeletehope you are saving money on a weekly basis for his future therapy
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