Winning the Right Way: A Lesson from a Young Optimist

Last week, I attended a swimming gala. The energy was electric—cheers, excitement, and anticipation filled the air. As we rooted for our respective teams, one spectator made a remark that caught my attention:

“I wish all the other swimmers would slow down so that my contestant could win.”

Before I could process her words, a little girl beside me turned and said, “All she needs to do is hope for her contestant to speed up and win the race instead of wishing for others to slow down.”

Her simple statement carried a profound truth. Instead of desiring the failure of others, why not focus on excelling, growing, and giving our best effort? This mindset of focusing on success rather than waiting for others to stumble is a principle deeply rooted in both wisdom and faith.

Professional swimmers understand this well. Their progress is not measured by whether their competitors slow down, but by how they improve upon their own personal bests. Before every race, swimmers have an entry time—a recorded time from previous competitions or time trials that determines their heat placement. However, the real challenge is in their actual swim time—the time they clock in the race itself. The goal is always to outdo their own entry time, to refine their strokes, turns, and endurance, rather than fixating on the performance of others. This relentless pursuit of self-improvement is what sets great athletes apart.

It reminds me of the story of David and Goliath. When David faced the Philistine, he didn’t stand on the sidelines hoping for Goliath to trip and fall. He didn’t wish for an external event to weaken his opponent. Instead, he stepped forward with confidence, trusting his God to grant him victory.

David had spent years honing his skills while tending sheep, fighting off lions and bears. While others in Israel’s army stood in fear, David trusted in God and used what he had—a sling and five smooth stones. His victory came not because Goliath failed, but because David was ready, empowered, and bold enough to act.

Paul, too, speaks to this idea in his letters, emphasizing the importance of running our own race rather than being consumed by what others are doing. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, he writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” His words remind us that success is not about slowing others down but about focusing on our own discipline and journey.

Even Jesus, in fulfilling His divine mission, did not seek to destroy His enemies by force or manipulation. Instead, He remained steadfast in His purpose, knowing that His victory was assured. Psalm 110:1 declares, “The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” This is a reminder that our role is to stay faithful, to walk in righteousness, and to trust that in His time, He will establish justice.

This principle is much like light and darkness. Light does not waste time battling darkness—it simply shines, and darkness dissipates. A candle in a dark room does not fight the darkness; it illuminates, and the darkness flees. In the same way, our calling is not to wish failure upon our adversaries but to rise, shine, and focus on becoming the best versions of ourselves.

How often do we find ourselves hoping for the competition to falter instead of focusing on our own growth? In leadership, business, and personal pursuits, the temptation can be strong to wish for rivals to stumble rather than putting in the effort to rise above. But true success is not built on the failures of others—it comes from preparation, faith, and action.

Instead of waiting for the competition to slow down, we should focus on running our own race. Instead of fearing strong opponents, we should trust in God’s guidance. The little girl at the gala understood something many adults struggle with: the best way to win is not by hoping others lose, but by striving to be the best we can be.

Just like David, we must step forward with courage, use the talents God has given us, and trust that our efforts, coupled with faith, will lead us to victory. Just like Paul, we must stay focused on our own race, keeping our eyes on the goal ahead. And just like Christ, we must trust in God’s timing, knowing that as we remain faithful, He will establish us and bring victory in His perfect way. The sweetest wins come not when others fail, but when we rise to the challenge and succeed the right way.