I recently watched an interview where Rafael Nadal attempted to respond to the question of which is worse the pain of losing or the joy of winning. It is common practice to coach, instruct, and encourage athletes in the scenario in which they only win. Though well-intentioned, this approach has created a deficit in the level of preparedness and readiness of athletes to deal with either of these outcomes. Since they are ill-equipped to deal with the frustration and disappointment inherent to losing, they often take actions in the moment that are to their own detriment. Sticking to my earlier tennis reference, who could forget what has now become synonymous with Novak Djokovic’s “melt 
down” on court. Repeatedly, when overwhelmed by the emotions from losing, Djokovic’s go-to-move is to break his racket in a visibly violent outburst of frustration. Though he has publicly expressed his regret for resorting to racket breaking, it is that image of raw frustration that provides a teaching moment for all athletes.
The emotions associated with loss of any kind are consistent across most cultures. How people in general, and athletes in particular, are “cultured” to understand, cope with, and rebound from “loss” will directly impact their motivation, and their ability to compete optimally thereafter. Simply put, depending on whether loss (in competition) is viewed as an “opportunity for redemption” or as a “defining moment in one’s athletic career” will determine how an athlete goes through the different stages of loss. An athlete’s approach to losing, whether or not they fear it or are prepared for its inevitability, will have significant implications for how they perform in competition. The potential of winning and the probability of losing are considerations common to all athletes. The distinction is in their preparedness to face either of these possibilities.
If you need more information and some expert guidance on this and all other fitness and performance factors, then feel free to contact us at performance@techniquelab.com.
Gillian Giwa, JP
Licensed Associate Clinical Psychologist
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