As a teacher of language, I often find fault with the English language. It falls short in many ways. It breaks its own rules. Pronunciation is ambiguous and changes happen all the time. Probably my biggest gripe with English is that many of the things we say are either misleading or cause us to look at things in a way that does not serve us.
One instance of this vocabulary problem is from my position as a coach. The phrase “we’re winning” needs to go. It is something that I know I’ve said before because it’s what prompted me to write this post. Winning is worthless until you have won. Even worse is realizing that you’re winning causes a sense of comfort and a change in attitude toward the game.
Until you’ve won, you’re leading. Leading does not imply a result but rather a process. Leading means that you’re ahead of the opponent but they are still there. Leading is something that can be taken away if you let it. Leading is difficult and a struggle. It takes effort and focus to lead until the end but if you want to win, it’s what you have to do.
Don’t let the word trick you. You’re not winning or losing. Either you’re leading or you’re trailing!
Don’t stop until you’ve won!
Pete
Huryk Unlimited 