defeat

Do not set yourself up for defeat. The innovator, Henry Ford, said "Whether you think you can or can’t, you are right." Of course we do not set ourselves up for defeat; or do we? Sometimes we may think along these lines, "Well, I will try it and see what happens." We are not really sure of ourselves here. Being setup for defeat goes a little deeper. We are not only unsure but lack faith. Also, we should not set ourselves up for defeat in spiritual or religious matters. This often times comes as disappointment. Disappointment comes when our expectations or hopes were not met. If we attempt something thinking that we cannot win but still expect to win then we certainly will be disappointed. Also, if we really think about it, we might be a little puzzled. Why would we expect to win while setting ourselves up for defeat.

Here is a physical example:
You are out on the soccer field kicking the ball. You are hoping to get the ball into the net. You are by yourself so there is not a goalie to block the attempt. At this point, you are probably not only hoping but expecting to get the ball into the net. So you get ready and then launch the ball with your foot. The ball goes towards the goal but not quite enough for it to go in the net. So you are a bit disappointed. Now, take a look at yourself. It is often said that where your shoulders are pointing, there the ball will go. So, look at your shoulders. You see that they were not pointing toward the goal. You set yourself up for defeat while expecting to win.

There is of course a way to work within this. You can of course launch the ball and then look at yourself and then correct appropriately. Or you could examine before acting. Before kicking the ball, stop and think. "Okay, there is the goal, align my shoulders with it.." Then launch the ball. Think about the goal, what you have to do to make it, and then do it.