When quotes like second place is the first loser and winning isnt everything; its the only thing, winning becomes the yardstick by which we measure our worth.
Its why two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpos eye-opening speech about the reality of success has been so refreshing for many.
After being asked whether the Milwaukee Bucks season was a failure after their shock first-round playoff loss to the Miami Heatfollowing being knocked out of last seasons Conference semi-finalshe quipped back: Do you get a promotion every year, in your job?
Michael Jordan played 15 years, won 6 championships. The other 9 years were a failure?
-Giannis passionate response to if he considers the Bucks season a failure pic.twitter.com/G5VtwnGXYq
NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 27, 2023
Antetokounmpos analogy of a job promotion opens the way to a profound meditation on how people view success (and with it, failure) in sports and life generally.
Its not a failure. Its steps to success.
Its easy to forget when cheering on the worlds number one athletes from the podium stand that they are actually just like regular workers. But like in the real world, making it to the top of a sport realistically takes multiple stepsand as Antetokounmpo points out, this takes time.
Every year you work, you work towards something, towards a goal, which is to get a promotion, to be able to take care of your family, provide a house for them, or take care of your parents, the Greek-born basketball sensation continued. You work towards a goalits not a failure. Its steps to success.
Not only does losing out on a promotionor in his case, a seasonnot equate to a failure, but viewing short-term loss as such is short-sighted, Antetokounmpo highlighted by pointing to five-time MVP, Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan played for 15 years, he won six championships, so the other nine years was a failure?
He further emphasized his point that success is often decades in the making and not an overnight win, by highlighting Milwaukees historic drought prior to its 2021 win.
So, 50 years from 1971 to 2021 we didnt win a championship, it was 50 years of failure? No it was not. There were steps to it. And we were able to win one and hopefully we can win another one.
You dont always win
Antetokounmpos most reassuring and relatable advice came when he concluded that everyone has good days and bad daysathletes included.
Some days youre able to be successful. Some days youre not. Some days its your turn. Some days its not your turn, he added. Thats what sports is about. You dont always win. Other people are going to win. And this year, somebody else is going to win. Simple as that.
What Antetokounmpo said next seemed directed at those who still think that second place is the first loser: Were going to come back next year and try to be better, try to build good habits, try to play better and hopefully we can win a championship.
Its a long road to the top, in Antetokounmpos view, so theres no such thing as failurejust steps to success.
