Are we so obsessed with victory that we're willing to sacrifice integrity?
This past Sunday morning I was struck by a CBS Sports article about Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama getting disqualified from the 2025 Skills Challenge for cheating.
You really need to watch the video to appreciate how low we’ve allowed our gamesmanship standards to drop.
Witnessing this unfold got me thinking about something Jordan Peterson wrote in Beyond Order:
"Someone who is sophisticated as a winner, wins in a manner that improves the game itself, for all players."
In this issue, I want to encourage you to honor your influence by approaching winning in a way that is good and inspiring.
What Does It Mean to Truly Win?
The Paul/Wembanyama story, even if just a playful narrative, highlights a disturbing trend.
Authentic success isn't about grabbing the trophy at any cost. It's about the journey, the growth, and the impact we have on others.
Think about it.
Our actions should be an expression of our success, not a desperate means to it.
When we prioritize winning above all else, we risk compromising our values, damaging our relationships, and the very nature of the games we’re playing.
We start to see everything as obstacles, instead of opportunities, ultimately losing sight of the bigger picture.
Raising The Standards
The ultimate aim should always be to raise the standards.
This applies to sports, business, and life in general.
When we strive for excellence with integrity, we inspire others to do the same. We create a culture where everyone benefits.
It's not just about what we achieve, but what we inspire others to achieve.
Take Mac McClung's performance in the 2025 Dunk Contest, an event that happened on the same night, as a strong example of this.
McClung didn't just win; he reignited a spark in the event.
He brought back the artistry, the showmanship, and the sheer joy of dunking.
He reminded us why we love the game, and why we love this event.
His performance elevated the entire competition. He raised the bar for everyone.
This is what a "sophisticated winner" looks like.
McClung's success wasn't just about the trophy; it was about the impact he had on the game itself.
He improved it for all players, and for all the fans.
Aim Higher
We all have the potential to be "sophisticated winners."
It starts with a conscious choice.
A choice to see our actions as a reflection of our character.
A choice to raise the bar, not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.
Let's choose to be the Mac McClungs, not the ones grasping for an edge at the expense of the game itself.
Let's choose to win in a way that inspires, elevates, and leaves a positive mark.
Stay The Course,
