Art of Losing

By Ashok Alexander

 

In a world fixated on success and victory, we often forget the profound lessons that can be found in the depths of defeat. "The Art of Losing" is a profound exploration that challenges our conventional perceptions and calls for a new perspective on life's inevitable setbacks.

Author Ashok Alexander dares to delve into the uncharted territory of losing. He shares the journey of losing a multimillion-dollar business, the self-doubt, and the eventual emergence of a more profound sense of self. How did we end up programming ourselves to dislike words like back, down, slow, relax? Through candid anecdotes and intimate reflections, the author illuminates the transformative power of embracing both triumph and failure.

This book is not a rejection of the pursuit of success; rather, it stands as an invitation to explore the beauty and wisdom that can be found in moments of loss. By weaving together personal narratives, inspiring stories of individuals who have triumphed through adversity, and insightful research, the author presents a comprehensive guide to understanding, accepting, and growing from our losses.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ability Publications
• Release date: Sep 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215827994

Ashok Alexander

Ashok Alexander's life story is one of remarkable success and varied experiences. Born in India, he relocated to Australia long back with his wife to pursue his studies. Overcoming numerous obstacles along the way, he owned and managed a range of successful businesses, including those in IT, restaurant, medical centre, and car rental. In addition, he was actively involved in cultural, sports, and social clubs, and has travelled extensively. Ashok's endeavours have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the IABCA Small Business Award and a runner-up position in the Telstra Business and Excellence award from AIM Management. He is also a certified yoga instructor from Sivananda and has held leadership positions in cultural and social clubs. Ashok is a proud father of two sons who are charting their own paths in life. Furthermore, Ashok embarked on a 4000km solo walk across Australia, spending almost six months in meditation. This incredible feat, his vast array of experiences and achievements, and his quest to explore the meaning of existence make him a unique individual with a valuable perspective on life that will resonate with readers from all walks of life. His main passion is to write teenage motivation and self-help books.

Book preview

ART OF LOSING

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© 2023 by Ability Publication.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book, Art of Loosing may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non- commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published by Ability Publication ISBN:

First Edition Printed in Australia

Disclaimer:

This book, Ard of Loosing, is based on the author's personal experiences and reflections. However, it is not intended as a professional advice or absolute truth source. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, may appear similar and not true.

While efforts have been made to ensure the information in this book is accurate and up-to-date, some information may change over time due to the passage of time and changes in the country and its culture. The author and publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience caused by anyone's reliance on the information provided in this book.

The views and opinions expressed in this book are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

This book is dedicated to all my former employees. The lessons you have taught me, often unnoticed at the time,now resonate profoundly.

Thank you for the wisdom shared.

Table Of Contents

PREFACE..............................................1

CHAPTER 1: WHY LOSING IS PAINFUL.......................5

CHAPTER 2: ART OF LOSING DECIPHERED...................12

CHAPTER 3: LOSING THE OLD MINDSET.....................17

CHAPTER 4: ICONIC LESSONS IN LOSING....................23

CHAPTER 5: LOSING WITHIN PERSONAL BONDS...............28

CHAPTER 6: LOSING IN THE CORPORATE WORLD..............33

CHAPTER 7: SOCIETY, CULTURE AND LOSS..................38

CHAPTER 8: EMPOWERING OTHERS........................43

CHAPTER 9: BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE.......................47

CONCLUSION: LOOKING AHEAD...........................51

REFERENCE AND FURTHER READINGS......................54

Preface

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Often, we may be led to perceive the world as divided into two categories - the triumphant and the defeated, the affluent and the deprived, those who have attained success and those who haven't, those who are admired and those who are overlooked. This oversimplification overlooks the fact that these judgments are typically based on a narrow set of criteria, the parameters of which are dictated by our cultural and societal norms. This is especially noticeable in countries where competitiveness is highly valued. This binary viewpoint is deeply embedded in our societal structures, influencing everything from education and careers to interpersonal relationships.

Yet, in this dichotomy, we often forget and neglect that losing is integral to life. We grow, learn, and often find our most authentic selves in our losses. That is why I felt compelled to write this book: to shed light on the strength, wisdom, and resilience that emerges not from the podium of victory but from the ashes of defeat.

The Art of Losing is a guide, an exploration, for all, those who have experienced defeat or fear getting defeated. It is a call to embrace losing as an opportunity, not a sentence.

The essence of this book does not lie in shunning success but in celebrating the journey that includes both winning and losing, understanding that the former cannot exist without the latter.

While the book delves into the psychological, personal, and societal impacts of losing, it also navigates the routes to accepting, overcoming, and growing from these experiences. I have combined personal anecdotes, stories of individuals who have embraced loss and found success, and some research to examine the art of losing comprehensively.

The journey of writing this book was not without its moments of self-doubt and failure. I had my years of losing mainly a multimillion business I cared for so much and having to start again, which helped me think in this direction. The loss of the business made me doubt myself and my very being. I progressed from there to eventually identifying my other half