After the antics of one Donald the Trump. I found myself asking why is it that some people can’t accept defeat. I know it’s painful but, I think it’s harder for some people, especially men. Although that’s a topic for another day. Other people despite the loss, do accept defeat and actually even go ahead to acknowledge the effort and hard work that the winner put in and offer genuine congratulations despite their disappointment.

This is what I’ve found out as to why some people can’t stand defeat and some of the characteristics they share.

1. They consider themselves superior to everyone. Their ego stands in the way. Unfortunately, ego and logic don’t go hand in hand. People with ego can only accept that which they want. They see and believe only that which suits them.
2. They fail to accept that failure is part and parcel of life. They want only the good and not the bad.
3. They can’t accept that their effort wasn’t good enough. They feel cheated out of something that they believe they worked hard for.
4. Some people on the other hand are just entitled. They believe that they should get something without working hard for it.
5. They lack personal responsibility. Some don’t want to accept that they should have done more. These are the people that will see someone succeed at something and say, you are just lucky. They would rather defend their inaction than do something about it. They are the experts at backhanded compliments.
6. They are uncomfortable with change and accepting defeat changes the status quo.
7. They want to protect their self-esteem. Self-esteem is the reputation we have with ourselves. Some people think that by accepting defeat they are siding with the other person and ganging upon themselves. So, they decide to stay put.
8. They are pessimistic. They see defeat as permeant and as a reflection of themselves. They think accepting defeat equals defeated. 

It takes a person with strong character to gracefully accept defeat. It’s through failure that we learn our biggest lessons anyway.