Learning how to win, how to lose, and how to learn from both experiences is one of the most valuable things in sports. On this subject the presentation of the Oscars on Sunday night provided some words to ponder. Talk about each of the following four quotes: what do they mean to you?
“If you are you’re sitting on your couch, and you are watching this right now, all I have to say is that this is hard work,” Gaga admitted in the midst of tears. “I’ve worked hard for a long time. It’s not about winning. What it’s about is not giving up. If you have a dream, fight for it … It’s not about how many times you get rejected or you fall down or you’re beaten up, it’s about how many times you stand up and are brave and you keep on going.” Lady Gaga (in winning her first Oscar).
“I thought I was courtside at the [Madison Square] Garden. The ref made a bad call.” Spike Lee (after losing for Best Picture. He won another Oscar.).
“If I, in my heart and soul, feel that I’ve fulfilled the challenges of a certain character, that’s where I find my personal fulfillment. I don’t feel like I need to be validated by some award, even though in the nature of our business, it does mean something.” Glenn Close (who has set the record for actresses for most nominations without a win – seven).
“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” John Wooden (who never talked about winning, only about doing one’s best).
You can spend your life contemplating these four quotations – because most of us could say all of those things! How do you relate them to the Code?
