LIfe's Greatest Accomplishments
Psychology Today
by Paul J Dunion Ed.D.February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Life's greatest accomplishments often involve embracing the duality of defeat and victory as natural parts of a well-lived life. According to clinical insights from working with hundreds of clients, fully participating in life inevitably brings both challenges and triumphs. John Steinbeck’s quote, “Greatness lies in the one who triumphs equally over defeat and victory,” underscores the importance of accepting both outcomes without letting them define us. The key is to live life on life’s terms, minimizing feelings of being overwhelmed by either defeat or victory.
Being defeated by defeat can lead to feelings of failure, self-doubt, and excessive caution or risky behavior. To overcome this, it’s essential to accept defeat as a natural human experience rather than viewing it as a reflection of personal worth. Assessing how much control you truly had in a situation can provide clarity, while seeking support from trusted individuals and practicing self-forgiveness helps in moving forward. These steps allow us to appreciate our efforts and intentions despite setbacks.
On the other hand, being defeated by victory is a subtler yet equally problematic experience. It often involves overvaluing success, becoming obsessed with constant achievement, or losing touch with loved ones due to an inflated sense of self-importance. This can also lead to entitlement, blurring our ability to empathize with others’ needs. To avoid this, it’s crucial to practice gratitude for the support and resources that contributed to your successes. Recognizing that victories are actions rather than identities helps maintain humility and balance.
Triumphing over both defeat and victory requires a mindset focused on gratitude and self-awareness. By acknowledging the role of others in our achievements and avoiding letting victories inflate our sense of self, we stay grounded in our humanity. This approach fosters resilience and mental health by preventing extreme emotional reactions to either success or failure. Ultimately, the ability
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/21/2026