In this life, it seems some are obsessed with branding people "winners" or "losers". Some decry the mantra of  "we are all winners" and others say heralding a winner is essential in competition. There can be no real competition if everyone wins. That is what I love about the Olympics, they give out Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, lots of winners! Recently we saw the Seattle Seahawks "win" the Superbowl, and yes, they did win, but can we term any of those brilliant players as anything but "winners" when they earn millions, no matter the end result of a game? Are CEO's with golden parachutes "losers" who earn millions, no matter the performance of the company they lead? When you are on a team and perform brilliantly, but others don't, are you on par with them?

At a certain level, the mere fact that you are 'there' implies you have won, in my books. Being "#1" matters to many, especially the most competitive amongst us. And yes, there is lots to be proud of in achieving this. If everyone were a winner, the competition might not be as rewarding. But we need to ask ourselves, are we performing in the Olympics or Superbowl? Would a downhill ski race that pits a 20-year-old against a 60-year-old be a real competition?

Of course, who doesn't enjoy being termed a "winner"? The people who call others "losers" do so primarily to boost their own ego, deflect from their own insecurities, or enforce a social hierarchy. This behavior often stems from envy of another's success, a desire to feel superior, or a belief in a strict "winner/loser" competition in life. It is frequently a form of verbal abuse or a way to dehumanize others.

Celebrate your "wins". Define clearly what they are to you, not just how those wins are perceived by others. Small wins along the way, celebrated with dignity, can fuel bigger achievements. Yes, the opinions of others do matter, but what matters most are your own goals and what you set as your bar for "winning". Never view yourself as a loser. Ever! People may call themselves losers due to deep-seated feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, or as a result of chronic, negative self-talk following failures. This label often stems from comparing themselves to others, a lack of personal growth, or a feeling of being stuck after failing to achieve personal goals or societal expectations. We all "lose" sometimes.  "Losing" is the first step towards success. Taking on this attitude makes you a real winner in my books!