When Life Bowls a Bouncer, Play a Different Shot..

 Turn Failures into Victories: The Art of Winning at Losing --

 

Have you ever felt stuck, disappointed, or defeated because something you deeply cared about just didn’t work out? If your child—or even you—feels down due to failure, what’s the best way to get back up? The answer isn’t to force yourself or your child to keep trying the same thing over and over; sometimes, the secret is to change the game entirely. Let’s dive into a story that brings this idea to life.

 

Cricket Dreams and Chess Realities

Back in the day, I had big dreams of cricket stardom. My heroes were Sunil Gavaskar and Clive Lloyd, and I imagined myself hitting sixes like them. Reality, however, had other plans. My cricket “career” peaked at a grand total of 3 runs across all formats—friendly matches, street games, school tournaments, you name it. Yet, that 3-run inning filled me with joy because, for one glorious evening, I had saved my wicket as a night watchman. The next morning, out on the very first ball and my dream- my cricket career ended before it began.

 

I’d come home defeated, disheartened, and sure I’d never be good at anything. But my mom had a knack for turning things around. She would sit with me and suggest a chess game. She always played with a smile and, quite cleverly, let me win just enough to rebuild my confidence. Over time, I started participating in local chess matches. Fast forward a couple of years, and I became the school chess champion—twice in a row!

It wasn’t until much later that she revealed her secret: “If someone is failing repeatedly despite their efforts, help them find something they can excel in. A small victory in one area can turn their mindset around completely.”

 

The Lesson: A Winning Strategy for Life

My mother’s approach wasn’t just about chess or cricket. It was about changing the narrative. She understood that failure could crush the spirit of a child, but a small victory—even in a completely unrelated field—could rekindle confidence.

 

This philosophy isn’t limited to parenting. It’s universal. When life throws a curveball, sometimes the best response is to step aside, recalibrate, and try a different game altogether.

 

Victory, even in something small, can spark a chain reaction:

                1.            Renewed Confidence: A win, no matter how minor, can lift spirits.

                2.            Fresh Perspective: Success in a new area might uncover hidden talents.

                3.            Improved Focus: Overcoming one challenge often builds momentum to tackle others.

 

A Modern-Day Example: Team India’s Comeback Strategy

We recently saw this principle in action with the Indian cricket team. After losing back-to-back Test series against New Zealand and Australia, morale was at an all-time low. What did the team do? They switched formats and started playing T20 matches—a shorter, more fast-paced version of the game.

 

With less time to dwell on failures and fresh faces stepping up to the plate, the team quickly regained its rhythm. Players like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, once household names, reminded everyone of their past brilliance. The nation, too, found renewed joy watching these games, proving how a change in strategy can lift not just players but also millions of fans.

 

Hidden Talents Are Waiting to Be Discovered

Sometimes, failure in one area is the universe’s way of nudging you (or your child) toward something you were born to do. Had I not failed in cricket, I might never have discovered my love for chess. Similarly, someone who struggles in academics might shine in music, sports, or art.

 

Here are a few ways to identify those hidden talents and bring back positivity:

                1.            Experiment with New Activities: Encourage exploration—sports, arts, coding, cooking—anything that sparks curiosity.

                2.            Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge even the tiniest achievements to build confidence.

                3.            Shift the Focus: If one path isn’t working, look for alternatives. For example, a child struggling with traditional learning might excel in hands-on or experiential education.

                4.            Encourage Teamwork: Working with others often uncovers skills like leadership, problem-solving, or creativity.

                5.            Make it Fun: The goal isn’t perfection; it’s to rediscover joy and motivation.

 

Today Is the Day to Start!

Take a moment to think about your own life. Is there an area where failure has been holding you back? What new challenge can you tackle today? Or, if you’re a parent, what hidden talent could you help your child discover?

 

Let failure have the last word because Life is too short. Try something new. Experiment. And when you find that one thing that lights up your spirit, embrace it. Share your experiences with others—you never know who you might inspire.

 

Me? I still play chess occasionally and laugh about my short-lived cricket dreams. And you know what? Those three runs are still my personal best, and I’m okay with that.

 

Because, at the end of the day, it’s not about how many runs you score. It’s about finding the game you were born to play.

 

Now go out there and play your best game—whatever it may be!