[chrisfl]

I'm going into my junior year of high school and we just had to read a book sorta like this, "The Triple Package". The book discusses why different ethnic and religious groups in America succeed or fail. Throughout the book the author discusses how the three parts to being successful are
1. Superiority complex
2. Insecurity
3. Impulse Control
The first 2 seem conflicting however they play off of each other.
For example, your team wins your division at champs but gets knocked out on Einstein. This scenario creates the perfect balance you need for learning. In this scenario, your team creates a superiority complex by knowing they are the best in their division however still are insecure after losing on Einstein. These 2 parts foster innovation in the future. If you were to flawlessly win in both your division and on Einstein you wouldn't have that chip on your shoulder to do better next year, you would become relaxed. Meanwhile, the team that got knocked out on Einstein will innovate to try and ensure that doesn't happen again.

1678 is a team that fits this situation. Every year they come out with a great robot and make it onto Einstein and just barely miss the win. Then after years of innovation they manage to win and be on top.