Last week, I pitched my business at a competition, and to be honest, I knew going in that I wasn’t going to win. I didn’t follow the standard pitch format, and while I understood that would cost me, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. My competitive nature was on high alert, and it was tough to sit there, knowing I wasn’t going to be crowned the winner but still wanting to be the best. It’s an odd feeling—knowing you’re not going to win but still craving that top spot.
To make things more interesting, a good friend of mine ended up winning the pitch. I have to say, he did an incredible job, and strangely enough, I wasn’t upset when I found out he won. If anything, it made losing a lot easier to accept because I was genuinely happy for him. Still, part of me kept thinking about the competition, my performance, and where I could have done better.
The famous quote by Nelson Mandela kept playing in my mind: “I never lose. I either win or learn.” It’s one of those quotes I’ve known for years, but last night, it really hit home. While I didn’t walk away with a prize, I did walk away with a lesson. For the first time, I fully grasped what it meant to learn from an experience instead of simply dwelling on the loss.
The Challenge of Staying Focused
One of the most difficult parts of the evening wasn’t even losing—it was the internal battle with myself. I wanted to be the best, but instead of focusing on sharpening my presentation, my mind was wandering to all sorts of crazy thoughts. I couldn’t stop thinking about whether I was going to impress the judges, or if the audience would connect with my idea.
I had the first slot, which didn’t help. I stood in front of the audience, awkwardly waiting for things to get started. One of the judges even asked if I could sing to kill the time, which only added to the strange atmosphere. But once I began my pitch, something clicked, and I realized that all my practice was paying off. Despite the nerves, my presentation flowed naturally because I had done it so many times before.
The Importance of Preparation
Here’s where another powerful lesson comes in, one I learned during my time in the military: “You don’t rise to the occasion; you sink to the level of your training.” This idea speaks to the importance of preparation and how, in stressful situations, we fall back on the skills and habits we’ve developed through practice.
In high-pressure moments, whether it’s a combat mission or a business pitch, there’s no time to suddenly rise to some higher level of performance. Instead, we perform at the level we’ve trained for. And in my case, all the hours I’d spent preparing helped me stay steady even after the awkward start.
The military drills this idea into soldiers because, in a crisis, you need to react based on muscle memory, not overthinking. The same is true for pitching a business. You practice over and over so that when it’s time to present, you can deliver without getting thrown off by unexpected distractions.
Walking Away with Lessons
Looking back, I see it as a learning experience rather than a loss. Yes, I was nervous, and yes, I didn’t win. But I learned that no matter how much pressure or chaos surrounds you, preparation is what keeps you grounded. I also realized how important it is to support others—especially when they succeed. My friend won the competition, and instead of feeling bitter, I felt proud of him. That sense of camaraderie is a win in itself.
Ultimately, pitching reminded me that success doesn’t always come with a trophy. Sometimes, it comes with the knowledge that you did your best, learned something new, and grew from the experience. And that’s a victory in its own right.
Final Thoughts
Whether in the military, in business, or in life, we won’t always win, but we can always learn. Preparation, practice, and a willingness to improve are what carry us through the tough moments. So next time you face a challenge, remember this: You don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training. Make sure that training—whether it's your preparation, mindset, or habits—is something you can count on when the pressure is on.
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