Given no context, I’m 99.9% sure you would choose an easy victory over a tough loss. However, let me provide a bit more context and see if your choice remains the same.
The tough loss provides you invaluable experience. The tough loss grows your skills immensely. The tough loss humbles you and teaches you what you need to work on to get better.
The easy victory provides you with very little experience. The easy victory doesn’t help you improve your skills. The easy victory teaches you nothing about what you can work on to get better.
What’s more, this particular competition is not a championship or playoff type situation and there is no money on the line.
Which one would you choose now?
Do you value winning over learning? Do you value gaining confidence over gaining experience? Do you value racking up stats over racking up skills?
Obviously, there is no right or wrong answer. However, if you’re honest about your answers, your choices will tell you the type competitive culture and mindset you’re comfortable with.