Well, without getting to details let's just say I've encountered a minor setback in a game (or war) I've been playing for a long time. I surrendered prematurely in a battle that was even. Even though stipulations came with the surrender it was still a surrender in haste. And that's all that mattered.
Expectedly what came next was textbook Art of War: an attempt to completely crush me for good. The attempt failed.
You know what happens next when you don't completely anihilate your enemy. He becomes more motivated than ever and eventually surpasses the level of power before the defeat.
This rechanneled energy has left me feeling stronger than ever. I haven't felt this driven in years.