"And the consolation prize goes to..." !

Well i am sure all of you must have received consolation prizes in your life...the ones designed to make you feel like a winner even after a pathetic loss, the ones you begin to believe so much in that you forget the passion of winning and settle in for mediocrity. Here's the list of most commonly received and deadliest consolation prizes in the world !
1. whatever happens, happens for good: this one is designed to serve multiple purposes. its the 4 by 4 among consolation prizes in that you can use it for off-roading as well as to cruise on highways. it gives the most underprepared, incompetant people a chance to feel like a winner. it also supresses feelings that otherwise could be used to break out of mediocrity. Here are the classic examples:
a. its the day before exams and you still cannot spell the subject completely. you open the book to only feel dejected and overwhelmed. you have two options: do a night out and cram in as much as possible or receive the consolation prize 'whatever happens, happens for good' and kick back and catch a movie
b. so you are in love with this person who is also a very good friend of yours. you share a lot of things and generally connect with each other better than with anyone else. one fine day, he/she comes to you and tells you that the parents are looking for someone to get married to. you have two options: muster up the courage to tell what you feel or receive the consolation prize 'whatever happens, happens for good' and dont do anything

2. its not about winning but participating: ah the great equalizer between winners and losers. the one that kills the spirit of winning and makes sure mediocrity thrives. Here's an example:
its a week away for the deadline for the innovation challenge in your company. your idea was selected coz it has a lot of potential. the week unfortunately looks busy as a lot of normal work needs to be finished. you have two options: dig in, find time, complete the idea before deadline or receive the consolation prize 'its not about winning but participating' and relax

3. there is always next time: ah the classic..the porche among consolation prizes. its so deadly that makes you believe that life gives you infinite opportunities and giving your best is just an option. here's an example:
you are given an opportunity to work out of Paris for 3 months. you discuss with friends and family who tell that the weather's going to be cold, there wont be any vegetarian food, you will feel lonely and miss home blah blah..being the sucker, you decide not to take it up. the other guy who decided to go for it comes back having a great time and plethora of experiences to share and you crib 'well there is always next time'.

4. failure is the stepping stone for success: i spent a while thinking whether this one's a consolation prize or a motivator and conclude that it can be a consolation prize. i believe that when you fail, you should know and realize that you failed fair and sqaure..there is no other truth to it. it is only when you understand truly why you failed you can plan to win next time. this consolation prize however acts like caffeine and gives you instant kick...instead of truly understanding why you are feeling low, you just gulp down coffee and feel better.

so STOP receiving consolation prizes... whatever happens, you make them happen, its all about winning, there is no next time and failure is not a stepping stone for success but a reality check. make the best use of every moment, stop settling for mediocrity and go for the kill.

P.S: this post is different from the other ones since its a little serious...i promise next one's gonna make you smile..until then, go for the win !