Tough-break department: After my upbeat post on Yankees Magic, the old pinstripe pizzazz fizzled and the Yankees lost Game 6 of the playoffs. But you know what? I still think they personify grace under pressure. They’ve just lost a huge playoff game and handled it with resilience and poise. As writers, we’re no strangers to setbacks and obstacles. To my mind, the Yanks have a lot to teach us about how to get past a big blow and keep moving toward our goals. Here’s why:

They acknowledged their disappointment: “This isn’t something you get over tomorrow,” one player said. It was a tough loss and no one denied that.

They gave the winners their due: After Game 6, a Yankee pitcher said of the winning Rangers, “We knew they’re a good team. But what was more important was that they knew they’re a good team.” The Yankee’s owner said: “They played like champions and we wish them the best of luck representing the American League in the World Series.”

They were honest: “They out-hit us, they out-pitched us, outplayed us,” said manager Joe Girardi. He didn’t mince words, but told it like it was.

They took responsibility: “The bottom line is: I didn’t do enough, the team didn’t do enough and we’re accountable,” said one of the team’s leaders.

They’re moving forward: “I expect to come back next year and have a very strong performance and, more importantly, hopefully lead the team to another world title…we came up short. I’m a big part of that and we’re going to get better,” said a star player.

They’re using the setback as fuel for a comeback: “Knowing what a good team we had, to come up short like this is disappointing. But it’s just motivation for next year,” summed up one of the team’s pitchers. Now that’s a winning attitude!