Victims vs. Victors

Monday Security Memo

Intellectual Firepower for Professionals

Victims vs. Victors

“Winners don't complain... they're too busy getting better.”

- Nick Saban

Dear A,

Every week, we all face a choice.

We can walk into Monday as a victim — defeated before the game even starts — or we can step up as a victor, ready to own the day, no matter the obstacles.

The truth is, life doesn’t hand out participation trophies. You either take responsibility or make excuses. You either find a way or find a reason. Victims wait for circumstances to change; victors change their circumstances.

Below is a simple comparison — a mirror, really — between how victims and victors think, speak, and act.

Read it slowly. Then ask yourself: which column are you living in today?

Victim Mentality vs. Victor Mentality

• “That’s not my job.” vs. “How can I help?”
• Blames others for outcomes vs. takes ownership, even when it’s not their fault.
• Waits for motivation vs. creates momentum through discipline.
• Focuses on problems vs focuses on solutions.
• Complains about lack of time vs. prioritizes and makes time.
• Says, “Why me?” vs. says, “Try me.”
• Talks about what’s unfair vs. talks about what’s possible.
• Fears failure vs. learns from failure.
• Avoids feedback vs. seeks feedback to grow.
• Lives in the past vs. invests in the future.
• Works when it’s convenient vs. works until it’s complete.
• Seeks comfort vs. seeks challenge.
• Waits for opportunity vs. creates opportunity.
• Competes with others vs. competes with yesterday’s self.
• Says, “Someone should do something" vs. says, “I’ll do something.”

You can make excuses or you can make progress - but you can't do both.

Every person — in business, sports, or life — will find themselves in both columns at times. The difference lies in which column you stay in. Victors feel fear, frustration, and fatigue just like everyone else — they simply don’t unpack and live there.

Success doesn’t come from luck or privilege; it comes from perspective and persistence. Victors understand that adversity isn’t punishment — it’s preparation. It’s the weight room of life, designed to build mental muscle and resilience.

The mindset shift starts with language.

When you hear yourself say, “I can’t,” replace it with “I will figure it out.”

When you start to say, “It’s not fair,” reframe it as “It’s my test.”

When you feel like quitting, whisper to yourself, “This is what separates me from the rest.”

This week, don’t be the victim waiting for Friday. Be the victor who wins Monday. Because attitude isn’t everything — it’s the only thing.

Stay safe and vigilant!

Luke Bencie