Winning When You’re Not Winning
496 words | 4 minutes
Do you ever get discouraged when things aren’t going your way? We all have. At some point in our careers, we’ve faced challenges—whether it was the real estate crash, a downturn in the economy, or a global pandemic that shut down businesses overnight.
It doesn’t matter what role you're in—when times are tough, it can feel like there’s little hope. But even in the most difficult seasons, opportunities are all around us. The key is to stay in pursuit.
When I wrote Drive With Purpose, I began speaking about going beyond success and pursuing significance as the true path to career fulfillment. During one conversation with a group of business leaders, someone asked me:
“Can you really be happy as a salesperson when you’re not making sales?”
It’s a powerful question. Because let’s be honest—what professional feels great when they’re underperforming?
It’s easy to be happy when everything is going right. When our team is winning, morale is high. But then the season ends, we lose in the playoffs, and suddenly—our happiness disappears. Why?
Yes, external circumstances impact our emotions. But lasting happiness is rooted in internal factors: our mindset, our values, our relationships, autonomy, purpose, and faith.
So how do you stay hopeful and find joy when things aren’t going your way?
Start by showing up. Do your best with the opportunities in front of you. Here are 10 things you can do to “win the day”—even when you feel like you’re not winning:
10 Ways to Win the Day
Start a gratitude journal – Find something to be grateful for each day.
Volunteer and network – Inside and outside your organization.
Stay a student of the game – Always keep learning.
Read. Write. Exercise. – Invest in your personal growth.
Show up every day – Consistency is powerful.
Learn from failure – Every setback brings a lesson.
Be present – Your presence matters more than you know.
Be a planner – Look forward to something each week.
Help other people win – make a charitable donation.
Stay in pursuit – The best is still ahead.
Even when the scorecard doesn’t reflect a win, you can still be winning in life.
So, where will you start? It doesn’t matter how big or small—just start. People are watching. Someone in your circle may need a little hope today. Give HOPE - HELP OTHER PEOPLE EVERYDAY, share this message, and you’ll find yourself winning more often than not.
Quote of the Day: “Many of life’s failures are people who do not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Thomas Edison
Can you help? I am raising money once again for “Carry The Load”, an organization to bring honor to our men and women military and service responders that died in service. This year, I am carrying my grandfather Wayland E Causey – died during WWII …and I am halfway to goal!
Learn more here and make a donation HERE – big or small – it makes a difference! Also, let me know if you have a family member that died in service and I will add them to my list to carry! It would be an honor!
🎙️ Check out the 25 Best Texas Leadership Podcasts and join me each week on Life in the Leadership Lane!
📚 Looking for a resource for your team?
Share a copy of Find Your Lane, Life in the Leadership Lane, Drive With Purpose, or the Milemarkers journal—perfect for team building and employee engagement.
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller.
For more leadership resources, relocation support, or speaking engagements, visit www.BruceWaller.com, call 972-389-5673, or email me directly at bwaller@goarmstrong.com.