"Haha..once a choker, always a choker"
"The chokers are at it again"
"S.A should campaign for TIDE with the tag line - 'Choke gaye'"
Within minutes of South Africa losing in the knock out stages of the world cup, Facebook was flooded with such messages. Rubbing salt into S.A's wounds. Reminding them once again of their failure to withstand the pressure when it matters the most. As I read those messages, I couldn't help but compare it to situations we have so often faced and continue to confront.
Most of us, as part of our growing up years, would have been taunted, ridiculed and made fun of about some specific traits or shortcomings. By friends, relatives, teachers, bosses. Several of those might have been made in jest, all part of fun and games, to be taken sportingly, laughed about and forgotten.
But some taunts and criticisms tend to stick it with you. How often have you come across people who have bombarded you time and again saying "You will never be able to do this". "You are not capable enough." "I told you so. You failed yet again!" " Why do you even attempt to do this?" Different people react differently to such taunts. Some just smile and shrug it off. Water of a ducks back. Some accept their limitations and move on. Some give it back. With interest. Some take it on the chin. Most people remember. And try to overcome their shortcoming. And continue to keep at it inspite of repeated failures. They just do not give up. Because there is a searing desire within them to prove a point. They feel that they can prove the naysayers wrong. And finally, when they are able to achieve what everyone said they never could, there can be no better satisfaction.
History is replete with examples of men and women who proved the world wrong. And that is why we love supporting such people. Even when they fail time and time again. We admire them because they are so inspirational when they succeed against all odds. Somewhere hidden in their stories, we feel, is our own story as well. Because we know that deep down, we too are also trying to prove a point, just like they did. That we too can do it.
I think all those critics and nayasayers help shape your character. Makes you stronger when you do not believe everything they say and get mired in self doubt. Makes you more focussed and determined. Even when you succeed, it is important to keep your feet firmly on the ground and develop a sense of perspective. Because, as i read in a recent article, it is important to remember your probability lessons - over the long term, things tend to even out.
That is what all those people who say South Africa are perennial chokers need to remind themselves of. Things will even out some day. The choke's really not on South Africa. The choke is on you!
