By Deb Boelkes

When competing for something you really wanted to win, have you ever lost? If you’ve been in sales, did you ever lose a really big deal, one you had poured your heart and soul into for months? Or, have you ever expected a big promotion, but someone else got the job?  Have you ever run for office and failed to win a key endorsement or were defeated at the ballot box?

Let’s face it, losing hurts, especially when the loss is highly visible. A high visibility loss can trigger extreme disappointment, embarrassment, anger, and an impulse to publicly blame a host of other people. Some might even consider suicide as the only way to save face. No one wants to be viewed as a loser.

Yet, from every loss springs new opportunity.