A Quick Trip to Japan, Part 2
November 14, 2006

Waiting for M's fight seems like an eternity. We are all huddled in a dumpy waiting room underneath this big arena that will be holding 20,000 adoring fans in just a few hours. Most of the waiting time is spent staring at the walls. As time draws close, the fighters take their pre-fight tests, stretch, box a little. Then, finally, we move to a second waiting area, just beside the stage.

D wins his first fight and must fight again for the tournament title. He is assured a second prize - a trophy and $30,000. M will fight in the penultimate match and will win that much if he loses and more than twice that if he wins. The odds are against him, even though he's beaten his opponent before.

M's fight is strategic and difficult. He fights his opponent's game and loses a narrow decision. It is heartbreaking. D too loses a split decision and comes in second.

These guys are both, arguably, the second-best fighters in their weight divisions in the world. But second place, at this time and in this place, doesn't feel good.

All the hard work they have put forward for this fight ... the months of six-hour workouts, injuries, physical trauma, dieting, taking supplements, physical therapy, worry, anguish, fear, anticipation, etc. All that, and it comes down to winning or losing.

Success in business is so much easier. So much easier.

Why? Because it is not winner take all.

I should write about this for ETR - how much easier it is to become wealthy or to become successful in business than it is to be a professional competitive athlete at this level.

It has something to do with competition ... the bad side of competition.

I have to think about this. Competition, cooperation ... sports and playing. They are all related.

posted by M. Masterson @ 10:54 AM,

2 Comments:

At 9:24 AM, Anonymous Pete Moore said...

Second place in any sport is no good, however second place for a highly searched keyword in google is excellent:-) Just read 7 years great book good job.

 
At 11:12 PM, Blogger Champion against Teflon said...

Michael,

I really like your attitude toward business in how it's not a "zero sum" game. I never knew fighting could give such business insight. Interesting thought.

Grant Pollet
www.ricotierrarealty.com

 

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