I truly love the great people I have the privilege of coaching. They all want to grow. They’re “seekers.” Curious about themselves, others. Success to them? Varies with each one.Failures. They have had their bunch. Me too. Regrets… recent stumbles. Childhood memories hard to erase. These are real mental “wounds.” Just as hurtful as any bodily injury.But I’ve found that strength of spirit, grit are the best remedies for any slip, loss… failure. I always declare after loss. Failure? Phooey!!

Two stories… #1.

A good friend of mine who heads Advancement… fund raising at Penn Charter (prep school I attended in Philadelphia) shared this with me.He was attending a 13 yr. old boy’s football game at my old school some time ago. Fourth quarter. PC is ahead 7-6. They are on offense with 30 seconds to go. Running the clock out. Their halfback fumbles the ball. The opponent, arch rival from across town, recovers and runs the fumble back 60 yards for the winning touchdown.

The young kids from Penn Charter leave the field balling, in tears. All but one. Their talented young quarterback. He has remained on the field glaring with misting eyes. “What did I do wrong? What can I improve on… learn from this?” Unique? This 13 year old has been responding to failure this way ever since.His name? Matt Ryan. Quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. Last year’s MVP in the National Football League. Failure? Phooey!!

#2…

Curtis Strange, now retired professional golfer is leading the Masters Tournament some years ago. Ahead by one shot as he comes to the reachable in two… par five 15th hole. He has a decision to make. Lay up. Pitch to the green, make birdie… maybe. Par in from there. Curtis probably wins the Masters. Or take a risk. Go for the green in two. If he makes it. Birdie probably… maybe even an eagle. Walks to victory for sure.He pulls out his 3 wood. Goes for it. The ball hits the bank in front of the green. The ball trickles into the water. Bogie. Curtis loses the golf tournament. Strange is gracious in loss. Jack Nicklaus is asked what would he have done?“

I’d have gone for it. Champions never fear failure.” How did Curtis Strange respond to this devastating loss… how?

By winning two consecutive US Opens a few years later.Failure?… Phooey!!

I’m sending this directly to my five grandchildren. “Wow, PopPop.This is cool!”