After losing the Super Bowl last Sunday, Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts responded to a media question about the loss by saying “you either win or you learn.” This response applies to losing or failing in any line of work. It also applies to winning or succeeding in that you learn from that too. It’s just that you learn more from failure. As an Eagles fan I am glad to hear he plans to learn from losing and coming so close to winning the biggest game in his profession.
I do not remember if I previously heard the term “you either win or learn,” but I will be using it moving forward in the mentoring and coaching I do. It highlights the importance of learning from every experience, whether positive or negative, and using that knowledge to grow and improve. The idea is that even when we fail, we can gain valuable insights that can help us succeed in the future. By approaching life with this mindset, we can become more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges.
In the world of sports, and as used by Jalen Hurts, the phrase has become a common phrase used to encourage athletes to view losses as opportunities for growth. Instead of dwelling on a defeat, athletes are encouraged to reflect on what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use that knowledge to get better. This mentality helps athletes develop essential life skills, such as perseverance and problem-solving.
In business, the phrase is an important concept for entrepreneurs and business leaders to keep in mind. Starting a business comes with its fair share of challenges and setbacks. However, successful entrepreneurs recognize that these experiences are opportunities for learning and growth. By reflecting on their failures and using that knowledge to make better decisions in the future, entrepreneurs can build stronger businesses and increase their chances of success.
“You either win or learn” can be applied to our personal lives as well. Life is full of ups and downs, and we all face challenges and setbacks. However, by approaching these experiences as opportunities for growth, each of us can become more resilient and better equipped to handle whatever life throws our way. By learning from our mistakes and failures, we can improve ourselves and become better versions of ourselves. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth and development.
The next time you lose or fail keep this saying in mind. Hopefully your loss won’t be as big as losing the Super Bowl, but even if it is, learn from it and be ready to take on a new day!