“Winners are losers who got up and gave it one more try.”
This powerful statement from musician Dennis DeYoung perfectly captures the essence of resilience. It flips the script on our conventional understanding of success and failure. The quote suggests that the path to victory is paved with setbacks. Furthermore, it implies that the defining characteristic of a winner is not the absence of failure, but the presence of perseverance. This idea challenges us to reconsider our relationship with losing. It encourages us to see our stumbles not as dead ends, but as crucial steps on the journey toward our goals. In this article, we will unpack the layers of this profound quote. We will explore its meaning and learn how to apply its wisdom to our own lives.
The Musician Behind the Message
Many people know Dennis DeYoung as the founding member and lead vocalist of the rock band Styx. His voice powered iconic hits throughout the 70s and 80s. While he is celebrated for his musical talent, his words offer a different kind of inspiration. The quote doesn’t come from a business guru or a philosopher. Instead, it comes from an artist who understands the creative process. The entertainment industry is notoriously difficult. It is filled with rejection and competition. DeYoung undoubtedly faced numerous obstacles on his path to fame. His perspective, therefore, is born from real-world experience. This makes his insight on perseverance particularly authentic and relatable.
Redefining Failure and Success
DeYoung’s quote forces us to confront our fear of failure. Society often labels ‘losing’ as a final, shameful outcome. However, the quote reframes it as a temporary and necessary part of the winning formula. Every successful person has a history of failures. The key difference is that they did not let those failures define them. They viewed each loss as a learning opportunity. This mindset is crucial for growth. When you see failure as feedback, it loses its power to stop you. Instead, it becomes fuel for your next attempt. Ultimately, success is not about a perfect, unbroken record. It is about the courage to continue despite imperfections and setbacks.
The Psychology of Grit
Modern psychology supports the wisdom in DeYoung’s words. The concept of “grit” has gained significant attention in recent years. Psychologist Angela Duckworth defines grit as the tendency to sustain passion and effort toward very long-term goals. Her research shows that grit is a powerful predictor of success, often more so than talent. . This aligns perfectly with the idea of giving it “one more try.” Winners possess this gritty determination. They understand that mastery and achievement take time and repeated effort. Duckworth’s studies found that gritty individuals are more likely to succeed in various challenging environments, from military academies to national spelling bees. For example, a significant percentage of successful entrepreneurs report experiencing multiple business failures before launching a profitable venture. Source
The Transformative Power of ‘One More Try’
The most actionable part of the quote is its simple, powerful command: give it one more try. This small act is what separates winners from those who remain defeated. Think of famous examples. J.K. Rowling’s manuscript for Harry Potter was rejected by twelve publishers before one finally said yes. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. These stories are not unique. They are the norm for high achievers. Each rejection and setback was simply a prompt to try again, often with a new strategy. That “one more try” is where the magic happens. It is an act of defiance against despair. It is a vote of confidence in your own potential. Every attempt, successful or not, builds experience and resilience. This makes you stronger and smarter for the next challenge.
How to Cultivate a ‘One More Try’ Attitude
Adopting this mindset requires conscious effort. It is about building a habit of resilience in your daily life. Here are a few practical ways to start:
- Analyze, Don’t Agonize: When you face a setback, resist the urge to dwell on the negative feeling. Instead, objectively analyze what went wrong. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience. This turns a painful loss into a valuable lesson.
- Set Process-Oriented Goals: Focus on the effort rather than just the outcome. For example, instead of aiming to “get a promotion,” aim to “learn one new skill each month” or “take on a challenging project each quarter.” This approach allows you to celebrate progress and effort, which keeps motivation high even when the final outcome is delayed.
- Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with people who encourage you to get back up. A strong support system can provide perspective and motivation when you feel like quitting. Share your struggles and celebrate your persistence with them.
In summary, Dennis DeYoung’s quote is a timeless reminder that failure is not fatal. It is a fundamental part of the journey toward success. Winning is a battle of endurance. It belongs to those who are brave enough to rise after a fall and resilient enough to give it one more try. By embracing this philosophy, you can transform your relationship with failure and unlock your true potential.