Wrestlers shake hands before the match even when they want to win badly. Respect and fight can share a mat.

RESILIENCE

WHAT THIS MEANS

Wanting to beat somebody and respecting them are not in conflict, though plenty of people behave as though competing required contempt first. The handshake is not politeness laid over the fight, it is a statement that the fight has limits and you both agreed to them. That is what makes it a contest rather than a mess.

Before the next thing you want badly to win, say something civil to the person on the other side of it. Afterwards, whichever way it went, say something true. You will find it takes nothing at all away from how hard you went.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Who do you compete against and still genuinely respect?

MORE IN ADVERSITY, PRESSURE & RESILIENCE

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