As I wait for final election results, I'm thinking about losing.
I'm thinking about what it will be like for hard working groups of people whose candidates lost--how will that feel, what will they do?
Most of my work in life has not been win or lose work. Instead most of my work in life has been improvement work--work that includes a regular pattern of work, analysis, reflection, revision, more work and so on. Rather than win or lose, it was all about betterment.
I have, however, had some experiences with winning and losing. As a high school student on a cheerleading team, our team lost now and then when it came to competitions. I remember that we were disappointed, but then reflected on our loss, picked ourselves up, and redirected our practices hoping to win in the future. I remember when my son experienced a really sad sports loss--a loss in a very close game, and a loss that would probably have been a win if they had prepared in a different way. He was disappointed, but the fans and team came together, focused on the season's many positive moments and gains, and then he happily moved on. During the Democratic primaries, I donated more than my usual amount to Senator Warren. I wanted her to win, and when she didn't win, I was disappointed, but still proud that I had donated to her campaign as while she didn't win the Presidential bid, she was able to share some amazing ideas, rally many great supporters, provide vision, and eventually work for Biden's campaign. I know Warren will continue to work for the American people's best interests, and to me, that's a win.
Loosing doesn't feel good. As I think of the supporters for the many campaigns that lost in this election, I can imagine their pain. This pain will be greater if their campaign efforts include the sacrifice of good time and money, and the inability to analyze the loss to find some wins. For example, a couple of candidates I supported with dollars did not win. I was disappointed, but I know that both of those people created some good change, advocacy, and support that will continue to foster promising efforts in the days ahead--their candidacy, like Warren's, will not stop at this loss. And, if you worked with a team you really value, it's likely that you and that team will continue and better your advocacy for what you believe in going forward.
As so many understand well, losses, when handled well, translate to long term gains. Take the time to analyze the loss, and decide what your next steps will be. Rather than respond to the loss with hate, violence, harm, and hurt, use that energy for positive action and change in the days ahead. When Warren lost the primary, I had the choice to give up, but instead I sent my support to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. They don't represent every idea I believe in, and my next step will be to choose an area of public life that I care deeply about and place my energy and support behind that cause in some significant way. I'll likely choose an area related to children, families, education, and/or the environment. Onward.