As the gym lights dimmed after the playoff match, there were tears.

As the gym lights dimmed after the playoff match, there were tears.

Earlier, my daughter, Bianca, and her 7th-grade volleyball team faced off against their fiercest rivals.

We knew this would be a battle.

We already suffered 3 losses to this top-seeded team during the regular season.

The first set was a testament to our fears.

We lost despite putting up a fierce fight.

But what happened in the second set was nothing short of magic.

Bianca and her team found their rhythm.

They roared to the lead and won.

With 1 set apiece, only the 3rd set stood between us and the unlikely victory.

The tension was palpable.

We took an early lead.

But our opponents came back strong, matching us point for point.

The balance shifted back and forth.

Eventually, the opposing team edged past us.

The loss was heartbreaking.

Disappointment weighed heavily on the young shoulders.

But amidst the raw emotion, there emerged a profound lesson.

We were beaten but didn’t lose.

The girls had given their everything.

As in life and business, you may still fall short despite your best efforts.

Sometimes, the competition is better.

That’s okay.

What matters is the effort, preparation, and heart put into the endeavor.

Being beaten is about external factors and competition.

It’s often beyond immediate control and requires strategic adaptation.

Losing, on the other hand, is mainly internal.

It’s rooted in preparation, foresight, and adaptability.

Bianca has one more year of junior high.

I challenged her:

“How will you use this experience?”

“Will you train harder, practice more, and return stronger?”

The same applies to us.

Miss out on that dream job or promotion?

What will you do to uplevel your skills?

Miss winning that next big client?

What will you do to better prepare for that next opportunity?

Being beaten is an outcome of another’s strength.

Losing is a result of our own weaknesses.

But what really matters is what you do next.

Embrace the lesson, rise stronger, and charge forward.

Victory is sweetest when you’ve known defeat.