Cranky Jennie ;-p

I ascribe to Yogi Berra’s “It ain’t over, til it’s over” philosophy.  I have always been a competitor in some shape or form and with that came the determination and fortitude to see things through.

All around me, I’ve seen people throw in the towel, give up or call it quits.  That attitude is just not something that sits well with me.  To each his own, right?

I have been in situations where I should have given up, but I figured that I should finish what I started, even if the outcome isn’t what I was aiming for.

In other words, I’ve been, (almost) always, a gracious loser.

I think the way a person deals with loss shows a lot about their character.  As the daughter of a stubborn, independent, and strong woman, having a defeatist nature was never an option.

Call it what you will: obstinance, tenacity, fortitude, whatever, this was drilled into my core personality from day one.

Sure, there have been times when it would certainly have been easier to give up.  However, I like to see the silver lining in everything.

For example, chemistry was the bane of my existence in school for the last year.  For the first time ever, I had test anxiety.  Despite that, I managed a “C” (which is considered average, I guess).  Am I happy with that grade?  Certainly not!  The silver lining is there though:  despite my test anxiety, I managed to get a “C”.  I didn’t fail!  Yippee!!!

I think attitude has a lot to do with stick-to-it-ness.  When you’re a pitcher with bases loaded, a one run lead, and a full-count on the batter, you can’t lose focus, right?

I can’t tell you how many times I came out on top in THAT situation!!!

Instead of giving up, I like to re-examine and sometimes re-focus the course I am on.  That enables me to see things through to the end.

Does this make me a better person than someone who quits easily?  In my opinion, yes.  Why?  Because I have integrity and I can be relied upon.  I’m not looking for the gold medal all the time.  Sometimes completing the trial/course/event/undertaking is enough.

When all is said and done, when there’s nothing left to do, THEN you accept the outcome, whether it makes you happy or not.  At least you can say you gave it your all and stayed the course.