The Pursuit of Victory

What do you do when you try as hard as you can to complete a task and still are not successful? The first reaction is to say "I've given all I have. There's no more to give." But later emotions kick in and a second effort is begun. Maybe even a third or fourth effort is undertaken. Still no success.

The task remains idle for a time period. Once more the never-say-die attitude invades the psyche and more effort is put toward accomplishing the goal. Frustration, anger, hopelessness attack the will to succeed. The words of Winston Churchill's speech during World War, "Never give up! Never give up! Never give up! Never give up!" play over and over in the mind. Fighting against that sentiment is the temptation to say "Who cares if I quit," all the while knowing that you care immensely. There is no denying the innate desire for victory no matter if you are the only one who cares.

More effort, more pain, more frustration until the smallest breakthrough occurs. The microscopic gain rejuvenates the mind and propels the body to vigorously continue the pursuit of victory. One small step leads to another and before you know it victory has been secured. Problem solved! Mission accomplished!

But at what cost is the victory. Sometimes it doesn't matter. Other times it does. Don't allow the pursuit of victory to end in defeat.