The Need to Win

Hi everyone been a bit busy so only a short one this month.

Being devils advocate on this one:

The Need to Win.

Chuang Tzu (~300 BC.) (as translated by Thomas Merton).

When an archer is shooting for nothing
He has all his skill.
If he shoots for a brass buckle
He is already nervous.
If he shoots for a prize of gold
He goes blind
Or sees two targets--
He is out of his mind!

His skill has not changed.

But the prize divides him.

He cares.
He thinks more of winning than of shooting--
And the need to win drains him of power.

                -----------------------------------------------

It also affects other areas of life, not only for the individual involved but also for others around them.  Concentrating all their energies to win, to be the best, can be a very positive activity.  It can be very empowering, a massive ego boost as you succeed in your goal.  The approbation of your peers, a reputation for success and the acquisition of the ‘prizes’ associated with success.

A positive, powerful person fully focussed on a single goal – to beat everyone else, to be top dog.  A ‘winner’ is usually a very attractive person.  After all, competition is an integral part of life.

It has long been known that the single minded ‘need’ to win actually detracts from a persons potential to win. 

So does this mean to ‘not try so hard’ may produce better results? 

Or maybe just to enjoy the game instead of ‘trying’ to win the game?

Or maybe like the Samurai, ‘No win’ – ‘No lose’ – ‘No thought’, just do!

WOT YOU THINK ? –  J

To find out more about Sensei Seth's club visit www.zanshinaikido.co.uk
You can e-mail Peter at psethp@yahoo.co.uk