A Thin Line Between Confidence and Over-confidence
One should be careful enough to understand and to judge the difference correctly
During my college days, I was very active in sports and represented my university team in Football and Hockey. Sports is the best teacher and always keeps you on your toes by giving some valuable life lessons.
I vividly remember that in the third year of college we were participating in Inter-hostel Hockey Competition. Being the captain of my team, I used to meticulously plan & discuss the match strategy with my team members.
Our team was ruthlessly beating our opponents in league matches. I was amongst the top scorers and getting full attention, love from all my friends, seniors, and professors. As the goal difference widened with each victory, the chances of winning championship increased. Naturally, our confidence was at its peak.
In the semifinal match, we defeated our arch-rival and defending champions by 8–2. Spectators were applauding our game and welcomed us as a new winner of this championship already.
We were yet to play the finals. However, overwhelmed with all the praise showered on us by people, we were already feeling like champions and failed to chalk out a plan for the next day. On the D day, the stadium full of supporters, pinning all their hopes on us. We were brimming with the confidence of a roaring champion and were waiting to lift the trophy.
The match started and I was shocked and frustrated to see that four players from the opponent team had covered me and prevented me to play my natural game of attack. I and my team tried our level best but failed to score a single goal. Finally, we lost that match with 1–0. We could not believe what happened to us in those 70 minutes.
What did the defeat teach me?
Keep a watch to not let your confidence turn into overconfidence
Never underestimate your opponent or any situation
Always prepare yourself well to face any big or small challenge
Though these learnings immensely help me in my personal and professional life throughout my journey — however, the memory of that defeat still haunts me….
