I previously wrote about The Valley of Disappointment. In that post, I explored how time and accountability are often the enemies of our progress. I discussed how external factors and perspectives can shape disappointment, but I didn’t delve into the importance of navigating disappointment for our long-term potential.
Navigating disappointment can be tricky. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and let it define our entire experience. But when it comes to long-term goals and aspirations, it’s important to remember that disappointment is just a part of the journey.
Throughout my life, I have suffered serious leg injuries both congenital and accidental, depriving me of physical joys like sports or running around. I’ve directed that energy towards gaming, becoming obsessed or competitive with any game I set my mind to. That led to my competitive Super Smash Bros. journey.
It took me over two years to win my first official tournament and there were a lot of defeats leading up to it. Sure, there were moments of hope, such as placing 3rd and earning some prize money. But, there were also tournaments where I was eliminated immediately and tied for last place.
Surprisingly, defeat stung worse the farther along I went in my journey. During my peak performance in Melee, I was earning enough to cover my rent through tournament winnings, yet I still faced defeats several nights a week. Despite this, my drive to earn an income from my passion for the game and the desire to win competitions kept me motivated.
However, that wasn’t always the case. Early into my career, after one particularly devastating tournament, I considered giving up completely. I felt overwhelmed and questioned if the game was worth the effort. I didn’t touch the game for a week. Then I watched my brother play and started watching videos on YouTube, and suddenly my passion had reignited.
My ability to swallow disappointment allowed me to have an amazing journey with Melee. My passion and desire for the game helped me to push through tough times. From the moment I decided to compete, I believed in the game’s unique magic. Through passion and perseverance, I met thousands of people, visited dozens of cities and venues, and even moved across the country. Remember, if you can envision yourself still enjoying something despite its toughest moments, it’s definitely worth pursuing.
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