To show up.
The hardest part of any competition is not the competition itself. It is the succeeding sequence of events that follow the competition or test day.
No matter the outcome of a competition—whether you've won by ippon or lost by a whisker—there’s one truth that separates those who grow from those who crumble: the courage to keep showing up.
It’s easy to stay committed when things are going well. But what defines your character is how you respond after a setback, a mistake, or a disappointing performance. Do you hide? Do you dwell on the failure? Or do you lace up, step back in, and try again?
This mindset is perfectly captured in a moment from Ted Lasso, when Coach Lasso offers a simple yet profound piece of advice to Sam Obisanya after a rough game:
"You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It's a goldfish. You know why? Got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish, Sam."
Here’s the lesson:
Remember the mistakes until you learn from them, then you forget. Don’t carry yesterday’s loss into today’s opportunity. The real victory lies in your ability to show up—with focus, humility, and heart—again and again.
But is it enough to be happy?
I think the answer is pretty simple. You will catch me saying, many times, that no matter what happens, you ought to always leave Ascent with a smile. It is a constant reminder that your performance does not dictate your happiness. If your performance dictates your happiness, you are not ready for success.