Norton: The taste of victory
There’s nothing quite like the taste of victory. Whether it’s our first win in youth sports, receiving an academic award, or closing our first sale, that feeling of triumph is something we carry with us for a lifetime. Our heart swells, our confidence rises, and we can’t wait to share the moment with those closest to us. That first win, no matter how big or small, often sets the tone for how we approach life, shaping who we become and what we pursue.
Take a moment to think back to the first time you experienced victory. Maybe it was a childhood moment, like scoring the winning goal in a soccer game, or perhaps it was something academic, like becoming a valedictorian or receiving an award in high school. These early wins are more than just a fleeting feeling of success. They imprint on us, showing us what’s possible when we put in the work, stay focused, and rise to the occasion.
The satisfaction of that win becomes a guiding force, pushing us to seek out more challenges, work harder, and continue striving for success. Once we find ourselves in a role that we love, we want to share that sense of accomplishment with others. We feel proud, motivated, and driven because of the wins and the journey that led us there.
But the taste of victory isn’t limited to enormous, life-changing wins. Sometimes, it’s the small victories that push us forward. It could be completing a challenging project, getting promoted for the first time, or even mastering a new skill. These moments may not change our lives overnight, but they build momentum, giving us the confidence to keep going and pushing ourselves toward bigger goals. No matter how small, each win reinforces the idea that we’re capable of greatness.
That said, the true value of victory isn’t just in the win; it’s also in the losses. Too often, people mistake losing as something negative, something to be avoided at all costs. But the reality is that losing, when framed correctly, can be just as valuable as winning. Each loss is an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. Many of the most successful people in the world will tell you that their greatest lessons came from their failures, not their victories.
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The problem arises when we become afraid of losing or, worse yet when we settle for mediocrity. Being lukewarm, neither fully committed to success nor willing to embrace failure, is the most dangerous place. It leads to a hollow, mundane experience in life, where we’re neither pushed to improve nor inspired to chase greatness. Zig Ziglar once said: “We are designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.” Mediocrity dulls those seeds and stifles the potential that lies within us.
But here’s the truth: I have never met someone who can’t succeed. While it’s true that some people struggle or have rocky starts in their careers, many eventually find themselves doing exactly what they were meant to do. They find a job, position, or calling that feels like a perfect fit, and suddenly, everything clicks into place. The career that may have once felt like a series of losses becomes one of fulfillment, purpose, and joy. This is the taste of victory when we finally find ourselves where we belong, doing the work we were designed to do.
Ultimately, the taste of victory knows no prejudice. It can come in the form of a small win that propels us forward, a middle-of-the-road success that reassures us, or a transformational victory that changes the trajectory of our lives. And the beauty of it all is that whether we win or lose, both are rewarding. Victory is sweet; loss can be just as valuable and sweet if we’re willing to learn from it.
But the key is to remain hungry, driven, and willing to push beyond mediocrity. Big and small wins await those who strive, fail, learn, and rise again. Each of us holds within our hands the seeds of failure or the potential for greatness; the choice is ours.
I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com and when we can train ourselves to embrace the taste of victory and defeat, it really will be a better than good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager, and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
