This article is not about being Number One. It is not about having a winning attitude. Nor is it about succeeding at whatever we put our hand to do. Contrary to what the title implies, it has nothing to do with competing against, contending with, challenging or opposing an opponent.
The only real opponent anyone ought to face is the one that stares at us from the mirror every morning after we get up out of bed. Even then, the battle may not head anywhere because we may not feel like making an effort.
And that is not good.
Not settling for second best means trying our best, giving our best at whatever we attempt to do. If we end up a technical failure, then who is it who determines that? Well, we do, of course. But who is to say we have to accept it?
We need to rise from defeat, pat the dirt off our clothes, and move forward. Second best is a term others have coined to ease the pain of losing. Yet, how can it be a loss if the chance is always there to succeed?
So we did not make the grade this go around. It should not bother us. We have only discovered that we were not ready. With better preparation next time, we will certainly do better. We should not feel, however, that we have experienced a setback. In that respect, we have all experienced setbacks. How we deal with it determines if we have given it our best.
Trying our best and failing does not mean we are second best. It means we have tried. And really, in the context of our short life here on earth, there are many more opportunities to do better.
Looking to God 
Great words!
I am grateful to serve the God of second chances! That said I don’t even compare myself to myself. He is the example I pursue. I know that is something I will eternally strive towards and never reach. He continually tells me, “It doesn’t have to be perfect this time. It just has to be.”
Great reminder! Trying and failing is sometimes more important that trying and succeeding. I can say I’ve learned much more from my failures than my successes – including learning to persevere.
When someone says to me, “I failed” my reply, “practicing”. I always get, “huh?” Me, “You didn’t fail, you were practicing” God Bless you 🙂
I love reading your blog posts. I agree with “the only real opponent anyone ought to face is the one that stares at us from the mirror”. We must believe in it first.