Success, accomplishment, winning.
Great things can lead to not-so great attitudes towards others.
From my own observation at agility trials and within the agility community, I have picked out two very opposite attitudes from those who are considered "great", "the best" and "elite".
Type 1: The Humble Winner
The humble winners are the ones who don't drown others in their own successes. They congratulate everybody, reguardless of how their runs really played out. The also are good advice givers. They don't speak a rude word to anyone and try to prove to everyone that we're all great somewhere and we can all get there. They have respect. I call this a "mind of greatness".
Type 2: The Wrong Direction Winner
Why did I choose that name? Well, these are the competitors who tend to push down on others (whether it be inside and/or outside of their friend group). From observation, these people tend to think that they're basically the God/Goddess of agility. The main thing I've seen is that they tend to talk down those who may not have a dog as fast as theirs, may be slower handling wise, and I've even seen them take it publically to a personal level. It's like they're trying to keep everyone below them in a rude and insensitive way; whether it be with insults or embarrassment.
Sadly, I can admit that I see type 2 more than type 1. What's wrong with this picture?
Think to yourself;
Which type gets more/all respect?
How can you improve on your own attitude?
Do you have any goals to becoming a type 1 winner?
Agility is a fun sport and we're all winners in some way. Don't let others get you down; be the better person and set an example for them.
Stay strong. Be positive. Have the mind of greatness.
Love this Kelsey!!! Way too true! Type 2 people are all about the ribbons, the wins, the titles, and compliments. I honestly have zero respect for type 2s no matter how good they are on course. Type 1 people really benefit the sport and thats what great winners do. They make the community better for everyone. :) Great post!!
ReplyDeleteThere are also #3!! People who act like #1s, but when you find out they are a stinky #2!!!!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. I'm saddened to see a lot of "Type 2" people who think they're "Type 1". Even if they're giving what they think is nice, useful advice, a lot of the time it's unsolicited and a lot of people don't like that. They also do a lot of small bragging, which is not "I'm better because I have such and such title or I train with so and so" or what have you, but that's something they do and it certainly doesn't get them much respect. The elitist people are irritating, but I find the people who believe they're not "Type 1" but indeed are, are quite more annoying.
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