"It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default."

I think everyone can admit that life is hard. Life never fails to offer an unexpected twist, just to make sure you're paying attention (like not paying attention is even possible). Yet, what I think is harder for us to admit is defeat. We don't like to admit that life has in fact, thrown them a curve ball that they were not able to hit out of the park. What many people don't realize is that we are able to grow by being brave and honest enough to admit our defeat.

"Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

It is not what you do but how you do it. We must learn that it is not the action itself that defines you, but rather your attitude towards it. That being said, these moments of defeat will not come easy and probably won't be fun. However, little by little, these instances will shape us to become the people we are destined to be. We need to accept that with defeat comes realization and the ability to grow. Everyone has to make mistakes and even act foolishly in order to learn how to live a happy, healthy life.

“How am I ever gonna get to be old and wise, If I ain’t ever young and crazy?”

Defeat also proves ambition. We have a natural desire to succeed in life alongside the added societal pressure of achieving success. We need to have the guts and drive required to prevail throughout the numerous obstacles in our life.

No one is perfect, it's what makes us human. So let this serve as a friendly reminder that we all make mistakes. Life knocks us down sometimes, but we just dust ourselves off and keep on going. The next time you don't get that "A" on the test you studied for, when you don't get the job you wanted, or when you strike out at your first baseball game, just remember that each of these experiences will only make you a better person in the end. After all is said and done, just remember that life is a constant battle. It will contain some inevitable defeats and that is okay, because following the defeats come joyful victories.