Defeat Is Not My Color—

Look, I’ve made some questionable fashion choices in my life. I once wore polka dots and stripes together, believing I had cracked the code to avant-garde styling. Spoiler alert: I had not. But if there’s one thing I refuse to wear, it’s defeat.

Defeat, my friends, is not my color. It doesn’t suit my complexion, makes my confidence look bloated, and honestly, it’s just not on brand for me. Yet, life keeps trying to drape it over my shoulders like some tragic, oversized poncho. And I keep throwing it off like it’s last season’s mistake.

The Many Attempts to Drape Me in Defeat

The Gym Incident I once attempted to lift weights heavier than my future, only for my arms to stage a protest. Did I drop the dumbbells so loudly the entire gym turned to witness my humiliation? Yes. Did I pretend it was all part of my routine? Also yes. Defeat tried to sit on my chest, but I pushed it off (just not the weights—those stayed on the floor).

The “Professional Growth” Experience Ever given a big work presentation only to realize mid-sentence that you left half your brain at home? I have. And let me tell you, nothing humbles you faster than realizing the only thing growing in that moment is your audience’s confusion. But did I curl up under my desk in shame? Nope. I stood there, made a joke, and convinced them I was engaging in radical transparency.

The Public Speaking Disaster

Ah, public speaking. The one event where you suddenly forget how words work.

One time, I had to give a big speech at work. I prepared, I practiced, I had notes so detailed they could launch a NASA mission. But as soon as I started, my brain blue-screened. Instead of saying “Good morning, everyone,” I blurted out “Happy birthday.” To whom? No one knows.

Did I recover? Not immediately. I tried to joke about it, but what came out was some mix of nervous laughter and a noise only dolphins make. The audience stared. Someone actually whispered, “Is he okay?”

I powered through, though, because if I was going down, I was going down with enthusiasm.

The Epic Travel Fail

I like to think of myself as an experienced traveler. But life likes to remind me otherwise.

There was a time I confidently booked a flight to a city… on the wrong continent. Yes, you read that right. I spent weeks preparing for an incredible trip to Sydney, only to realize—at the airport—that I had booked a ticket to Sydney, Nova Scotia. NOT Sydney, Australia.

Did I cry? Almost. Did I laugh until security started eyeing me suspiciously? Absolutely. I made the most of it, though, because sometimes you just have to embrace the chaos.

Wrap Up

The thing is, defeat doesn’t fit me because I refuse to tailor my life around it. Some people wear setbacks like a badge of honor, but I’d rather accessorize with delusion and resilience. Maybe I didn’t win today, but I’m not out of the game. And neither are you.

So, the next time life hands you a moment where defeat feels inevitable, remember: It’s an ill-fitting, outdated outfit. Take it off. Burn it if you must. And strut forward like the powerhouse you are.

After all, defeat may try to knock on my door, but I never let it in long enough to redecorate.