Strengthened through defeat...

Victory and defeat are what you make of them; it is how you deal with them that matters. Since defeat is inevitable in life, you must master the art of losing well and strategically.

First, think of your mental outlook, how you absorb defeat psychologically. See it as a temporary set-back, something to wake you up and teach you a lesson, and even as you lose, end on a high note and with an edge; mentally prepared to go on the offensive in the next round. So often, those who have success become soft and imprudent; you must welcome defeat as part of a Grand Strategy to make you stronger and wiser.

Second, you must see any defeat as a way to demonstrate something positive about yourself and character to other people. This means standing tall, not showing signs of bitterness or becoming defensive (rather than get angry, get even).

Thirdly if you see that defeat is inevitable, it is often best to go down swinging. That way you end on a high note even as you lose, planting the seed of future victory in present defeat.

Finally, end on an ambivalent note. If you are reconciling with an enemy, subtly hint at having residues of doubt - that, to gain your trust once again, the other side must prove itself to you. That the wounds still fester and you could hit back at any moment, regardless of the fragile peace that must exist between you two. By ending on a note of ambiguity and ambivalence, you gain the upper hand for the next round in a most subtle and insidious fashion.