Does fear of losing motivate you?

[Mike Pulcinella]

In my bodybuilding documentary Raising the Bar, Dave Pulcinella, a few weeks before the big contest, answers the question "What motivates you?" this way...

"What motivates me? Fear of losing. It CAN NOT happen!"

Many other BB competitors have told me that they identify with that statement. What strikes me as strange is that it mentions "losing", a negative concept that I didn't think competitors would embrace.

And then I read in Time magazine that Rachel Maddow, the tough, controversial and very successful MSNBC talk show host admits that, "...her driving force is a fear of failure"!

I began to wonder if that was a motivating force for many successful people. Is that true for you or do you find motivation other ways?

 

[eroc613]

Always!!

That keeps me going, when I feel like I can't do anymore.

 

[VanR__]

It's the fear of returning to what I was: A fat, weak, demi-human construct.

 

[rotty]

The fear of losing or failing is the only thing that motivates me

 

[airpendleton23]

To be honest it seems like the joy of winning (or success since bodybuilding is not really a one time event or game) is a much stronger emotion than the fear of losing or failing. In sports, I think those afraid of failing or losing almost always will.

Look at Michael Jordan for example, watch the following commercial and tell me if this guy was more motivated by the pursuit of success, or by the fear of failure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45mMioJ5szc

"I've failed over and over again in my life, and that is why, I succeed."

 

[Big_Truck]

For the 98% of aas users who don't compete in a sport or bbing, what do you actually 'fear of losing' at exactly?.... Your muscles? Confidence? Girls? Or is this just directed to those who actually compete in a 'real' competition, As in placings , winnings etc?

 

[tkav1980]

maybe not Losing per say but not being the best period. if i came in 5th and that happened cause i didnt give it everything i had then yes, but if i lost in my mind by not leaving it all on the table then yes im scared to death of that, and its the best motiation in the world.

 

[The Striated One]

To be honest it seems like the joy of winning (or success since bodybuilding is not really a one time event or game) is a much stronger emotion than the fear of losing or failing. In sports, I think those afraid of failing or losing almost always will.

Well said.

Everybody on this earth is capable of failure, but not everybody has it in them to succeed. It is much easier to give up and fail than it is to work hard and accomplish the goals you set for yourself.

I guess it depends on how you interpret the question but I find accomplishing my goals to be much more motivating than the thought of failing at them.

 

[fsm]

Ha! I spent years trying to teach my kids not to be afraid of failure, but to look on failure as a learning opportunity.

 

[tkav1980]

failing and learning from it is one thing but when failure is caused by you not doing everything you can to succede thats something to fear.

 

[AN3M4L]

I personally fear letting people down. From family, friends, to random people that are supporting me. Thats what drove my determination.

 

[Ivanko]

Early on you need to fail, probably more then once. The first time you fail at something you learn what you did wrong and the ways to do it better next time. These are usually minor failures, because you haven't invested enough into whatever you're doing yet. You make a lot of mistakes when you start at something and failure will only allow you to see what you did wrong and how to fix it. By fixing them you invest more into what you're doing. And after you've done something for a while you've invested too much to make mistakes or get lazy. You don't have any excuses at that point. Failure will not be because you didn't know enough, or lacked experience, but because you chose to fail. To me, that's the only failure you should fear.

 

[Philthy]

I'm actually motivated by my goals. I think fear of failure hinders me more than others because it gives me anxiety. I have to constantly try to think positively in order to keep my goals clear. I was brought up in a negative environment when I was a child, I've spent my life trying to overcome my fear of failure and the crippling negative thought process.

 

[phoenix13]

I am motivated by personal growth on all levels, which includes my physique and placings in competitions. I want to continually evolve and progress.

Fear of failure, specifically in failing to do my best, does give me a kick in the pants when necessary, but I intentionally derive my deeper and greater motivation from positive sources and direction. I feel it is more effective and enhances the process, thus allowing for a greater result.

But sometimes, I just need an angry, mean drill sergeant in my head yelling his fckn ass off at me.

 

[AWN2004]

Dan Gable embraced this concept but looked at it a bit differently. I know from being at Iowa and wrestling with the same guys he trained to win national titles and gold medals that he conditioned himself and others to truely believe in winning.

His philosophy was to work harder than everyone else. He did this year in and year out and it's the reason why when he won the Olympic gold in 1972 nobody scored a point on him. Thats insane. He mindset was one of not just thinking he was going to win but KNOWING he was going to win. There was never a single doubt in his mind that he was not going to be the winner every single time he stepped foot on the mat. He knew he worked harder than everyone else and really believed in the convictions of his work ethic. So when it was time to compete, he was prepared and never once doubted himself. He only lost one time in his entire career. Now I know thats a bit of an extreme example but it really shows how important the mental aspect of being competitive can be. To this day that same mentality is used at Iowa. I really think it's a good one. When I wrestled, I never thought about losing but rather what I can do to make sure I win. This has carried over to bodybuilding for sure. I've never claimed to be some hardcore individual, but I do know with 100% certainty that most people don't know how to really push themselves. Train your mind and your body to know you have done everything in your power to be the best and I assure you losing won't be in the back of your mind. I'm glad I got to spend time with Gable because he has influenced my life today for the better.

 

[Paul Bunyan]

I'm motivated by the desire to bring the best "me" to a contest. Fear of losing to someone is not really a concern.

PB

 

[Mike Pulcinella]

To be honest it seems like the joy of winning (or success since bodybuilding is not really a one time event or game) is a much stronger emotion than the fear of losing or failing. In sports, I think those afraid of failing or losing almost always will.

Look at Michael Jordan for example, watch the following commercial and tell me if this guy was more motivated by the pursuit of success, or by the fear of failure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45mMioJ5szc

"I've failed over and over again in my life, and that is why, I succeed."

Awesome post bro! Thanks for the link!

 

[Pekkerwood]

Mike:

I agree with the point you have offered. Fear of losing was a the largest motivating factor for me for a long period of my life. I have often surmised the fear of losing, or refusing to lose, was more powerful and resilent than the "thrill of victory"....however.... it is a two sided sword for me.

When I won, I never seemed to feel the elation that most of teamates exhibited. Number 1: I was exhausted and in pain usually. Number 2: I expected to win, trained to win, sacrificed to win, studied to win, and deprived myself of other pursuits in order to win. To not win was failure. To win was "Breaking Even" for the work I put in. This is not healthy, and I do not feel this way today. Now understand, I was never a bad sport about it, it was how I felt inside.

This is not to say I have never felt elation with vicory, I have, but it is short lived. Winning a state title, winning a bowl game, etc., the last games of seasons definately made me elated, but it was indeed fleeting. The pain of not winning stuck like a bad stench I could not wash off.

When I look back at some of the few accolades, awards, and other detrus of my past ( I've kept none, but my family still retains some so I see things when I visit) they don't really fill me with pride.

I am still similarly motivated, but it manifests itself more in business and financial pursuits today rather than physical pursuits. This changes the equation drastically because "winning" and "losing" are much harder to define. We all know what "losing" is, not feeding your family etc, but what is really "winning"? This answer is probably one I spend more time contemplating.

Thanks again Mike for an thought provoking topic.

 

[Mike Pulcinella]

Thanks! It's something that's been on my mind lately and I wanted to see what y'all thought. Some really great answers here!!

 

[GQSHREDZ]

In my bodybuilding documentary Raising the Bar, Dave Pulcinella, a few weeks before the big contest, answers the question "What motivates you?" this way...

"What motivates me? Fear of losing. It CAN NOT happen!"

Many other BB competitors have told me that they identify with that statement. What strikes me as strange is that it mentions "losing", a negative concept that I didn't think competitors would embrace.

And then I read in Time magazine that Rachel Maddow, the tough, controversial and very successful MSNBC talk show host admits that, "...her driving force is a fear of failure"!

I began to wonder if that was a motivating force for many successful people. Is that true for you or do you find motivation other ways?

Well if you dont loose there wont be a problem..... Shoot for the stars and take pride in whatever you do and you wont be let down.... try and turn all Neg'z into possitivessss..