Why Winning Is Important!!

Its been several weeks from the last time I wrote on this blog. 

The last few weeks were eventful. I had to deliver on a major work assignment, something I had been working on intensely for more than 4 months, with the most challenging milestone achieved in the last few weeks. The feeling of completing a major assignment, especially one where the odds seemed to be against you when you started, felt good. It felt like winning a competition.  

The Power of the "Winner Effect"

The effect of winning on an individual can be powerful. Neuropsychologist Professor Ian Robertson wrote about "The Winner Effect" and argues that winning is probably one of the most important effects shaping people's lives.

I believe winning is not only important, but also necessary if you are entering a new career. 

Defining "Winning"...

Before I start, let me first explain what I mean by winning. To me, winning takes a broad definition. It includes overcoming obstacles, be it big or small, achieving a major milestone, or simply changing your attitude and mindset, is a win. 

How to be a Winner...

1. Orchestrate Small Wins

As Professor Ian explained in his video, it is better to design and orchestrate small wins. Every time you achieve a small win, a chemical reaction occurs. Testosterone and dopamine increases, giving you that "feel good" effect. This increases your confidence and risk appetite, giving you courage to take on more challenging and important tasks, potentially bringing about larger wins in future. 

One way I have orchestrated small wins in projects assigned to me is to break up a project into small achievable chunks or milestones. Completing each milestone becomes a "win".

2. Build a Winning Team

You will notice in my blog posts that I am a big proponent of teamwork and working in teams. Find like-minded individuals who are aligned to your goals and invite them to participate in your project as a member of your team. 

3. Have a S.M.A.R.T. Plan

As the saying goes, when you don't plan, you plan to fail. Ensure that your plans are:

• Specific - clearly defined goals and outcomes. 
• Measurable - clearly identified performance indicators or outputs.
• Achievable - a goal or target that you bring to completion.
• Realistic - to be realistic means you factor in constraints you face in your plans.
• Time Bound - defined within a set period or schedule.

Everybody deserves a win. Go ahead! Plan your next WIN. 

SHARE THIS POST with someone you think should benefit from a win.

Taking one little step at a time,
Aslam Sardar