Why do people believe they are winning while they are actually LOSING?

Playing (consenting to) the game (suggestions by others) keeps one within a conflict of reason aka wanting (winning) vs not wanting (losing).

A GAME (opposed to earnest) tempts one to ignore the need to resist wanted temptations, which in return positions one into opposition of temptation (want vs not want).

Being implies growth (life) within loss (inception towards death)...earn (living) the urn (process of dying). Everything (perceivable) is offered to each one (perception)...more (growth) is demanded (loss).