On the Podium

I read this a few months ago, but it stuck with me because I keep seeing commercials for the Olympics, which opens in one month on February 6.

Studies have been done that people who win bronze feel better than people who win silver (with people who win gold obviously feeling the best). They explain,

…Pre-event expectations affect reactions. One finding was that silver medalists may have higher expectations, which amplifies disappointment when they don’t get gold. Bronze medalists often have lower expectations (or different comparisons) so their emotion is less dampened.

In other words, silver people thought they should be able to get gold and are disappointed they didn’t. Bronze people feel lucky that they beat out third place and got on the podium.

Two different reactions, even though the two winners are standing next to one another. I feel like there is a life lesson in there. That we’re happier when we notice what we’ve achieved (made it onto the podium in life) vs. what we missed (silver instead of gold). I’ll definitely be thinking about this at next month’s medal ceremonies.