2nd place addiction
This is what I have termed a certain complex, which I question whether I might have myself.
2nd place - what is it exactly? 1st place loser? Almost the best?
I think to approach the question one should consider elements of 1st place first. 1st place equals the best, numero uno. No one can beat you. Dang, that's a lot of pressure in my book. I'm sure many of you have been there before - having won a title, the pressure to defend it is quite significant. Now winning is great (heck its fantastic!), but how about second place? You're still pretty good by all accounts, and should still be selected for any team (in fact a consistent 2nd place compared to a variable 1st probably bodes better!), though not Olympic qualifier of course, but you then don't have all the added pressure of being that number one. You can just hide in the shadows and be the 'almost as good person'.
I certainly don't think it's an intentional complex. No one would sit there and go 'woo hoo, now that I've made the final I'll just chill out and enjoy the ride' (though if its your first final, you might). I imagine its more subconscious. Nonetheless, it still remains. Worst of all, despite the logic in the argument - no one in any sport should be content with second. We are here to win (and there can be only one).
Why am I thinking all this? I seem to be a good bet for second in any sabre event. I just throw those finals away (even when I have second chances!).
Posted: 19 May 2003
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