DEAR ABBY: I am 14 and a serious martial artist. I am depressed because I lost a fight at the state championships. Everyone said I was going to sweep all the medals, but I lost. I tried and tried -- I fought with everything I had. But I couldn't avoid my opponent's kicks.
Everyone now looks at me like I'm a loser. Maybe I lost because I'm inexperienced, because it was my first tournament. Or maybe I just don't have what it takes to be a winner. I lost my will and confidence, and this little voice keeps telling me I'm a loser and don't deserve to fight anyone because I'm nothing.
Is it possible to become better at something even though you think you're at the peak of your ability? -- DEPRESSED TEEN IN THE DESERT
DEAR TEEN: Certainly! No one reaches the top without having failed -- usually more than once. Everyone has setbacks. We often learn more from our failures than our successes.
Consider yourself a champion in the making. Look back over the tournament, see what your weaknesses are, and work on correcting them. One loss does not a loser make. The trait that makes a champion is perseverance. Don't give up. Continue striving to be the best you can be, and you'll climb the ladder of success.