Indian Cricket Team - The New Zealand test series

I am an avid armchair sports fan. I do play a  lot of games, but as far as a full days entertainment goes,nothing to beat cricket. It can be thrilling, throughout the match as you expect something to happen with every ball being bowled. The crazy run finish, trying to limit scoring, the alert fielding all add to the excitement. Needless to say, that I am a big fan of the Indian cricket team and go through despair when they perform the way they do, especially against "seemingly" weak teams like New Zealand. I dont care, I want our team to win at all cost as I am addicted to the feeling of well being that comes along with it. I could never figure out, why the Indian cricket teams performance was so inconsistent.

Recently I came across an article " http://hubpages.com/hub/Cricket-Winning-and-the-Indian-Cricket-Team" that got me thinking. I started analysing the teams performance and actually the article started making sense. After all, Its all about the money, honey and TRP's and pulling in the fans. Suddenly everything seemed to be clear..Well, atleast now I dont despair with every loss as I know that the team shall be back with a bang and I am quite hopeful that the team shall win the third test match against New Zealand.

Turning the Tables on negative thoughts

As a child, I would fiercely compete to win...anything..a game of marbles, Cricket, quiz competitions..academics... In some, I was ruthless and no one could win against me..but some which required physical fitness, I would would fall short..(second, third..and in many cases somewhere at the bottom). After losing, I would then fiercely cheer for the person who beat me...as if his loss would some how assuage my defeat. This trend continued till I grew up.

One fine day, watching India play Australia in the world cup (Cricket), I was struck by a thought. If India loses this match, and If australia goes on to win the world cup, wouldnt India's defeat be justified, because they lost to the eventual champions. If a team which India defeated in the league matches went on the win the cup, it would mean, a team inferior to Indian won the tournament.Which is better..cheer for a team that beat your team to win the tournament or cheer for a team that is inferior to yours. I think..cheering for a team that beat your team is a more effective strategy as you shall be known as a team that lost to the eventual winners and not to the eventual losers.

Hmmm...this would mean that If I lost a game or a contract ...I should learn to accept that I lost to a superior adversary (what ever tactics were employed by him to win). I need not place him on a pedestal but figure out where I fell short and learn to innovate accordingly so that I dont loose in the future. Let me not spend time and effort in trying to hate him or plot his downfall. It serves no purpose other than hampering your chances of improving and moving on in life.

So many times, we are consumed by feelings of hate and revenge against someone. The only outcome of such feelings is a general increase your blood pressure and other associated diseases ( though in the end you may get him but at great personal cost). Is it worth it..no it isnt..Just get on with your life and see how you can make the best of opportunities that come your way...

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