Hugh McGahan: Losing part of winning

Losing can be a catalyst for improvement. Photo / Getty Images

For me, the most effective way to learn combines learning from the experience of losing or disappointment with the confidence gained from winning games and being successful.

Primarily, confidence from winning opens the door to the character of a person.

Losing is a catalyst for you to look at and ask yourself, what do I need to do to improve?

Unfortunately, sometimes the loser looks to blame others for their failure and carries on the same path of disappointment; lowering their sights after each failure until success eventually arrives.

However, the committed seek improvement until success is achieved, no matter how long it takes. We love to have these people in our team as they inspire us to want to succeed as well.

But how do we respond when winning becomes a habit? This is where I look at a sportsperson and gauge their response. Are they seeking to improve or do they fall into the preamble of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Tiger Woods has changed his swing three times to be the best. There were stages where he lost his No 1 ranking but he is always looking to improve.

Wayne Bennett changed his approach to coaching by studying what other coaches in other sports were doing; he adapted to his environment.

Do you think he is saying the same things today as he did in 1988 when the Broncos first entered the competition? No; he knew he had to improve.

Just as each sport today is different to how it was played 50, 20 and even 10 years ago, winning has become different.

The real winner is the one who looks to improve after winning the game, the trophy, or the Premiership. He doesn't want those below catching up to him. It is to be never satisfied with your performance; there is always something you can do better.

The sportsman who plays well for a few games - but then performances drop off - doesn't know how to stay focused mentally.

Or they become comfortable with themselves. It is a learned art and few players or teams have the ability to do it before failure develops.

An example is the Warriors and their performances up to and including the Storm - and their lacklustre display a week later. Did they think it had all clicked and they were just going to continue on their merry way?

There are individuals still coming to grips with playing at this level but think it has just happened because of their skill.

If they are looking to improve consistently, they won't leave a stone unturned to apply themselves.

The more they win, the more they think there is no need to seek improvement; they rest on their laurels. The hard work continues through the year.