I learn a lot from wrestling. I enjoy the lectures my son’s coach gives the boys and girls after every practice. I don’t know that my 13-year-old is realizing it yet, but he is learning a lot of life lessons.
Reflecting on last night’s practice, there were several lessons to ponder. One that stands out is the admonishment to “take your one.” When a wrestler is in the down position—i.e., the other wrestler is in control having earned the takedown or has started the period on top—there are two options (stalling or giving up is not an option). The wrestler can get an escape (one point) or a reversal (2 points). Often the wrestler struggles to get the two-point reversal and ends up with nothing. The coach showed that kids that sometimes you have to stop struggling to get the hard two and take the one.
We often do this in life. We fight and fight to attain a goal and end up with nothing. We fight against the impossible and avoid the obvious. Sometimes, giving up on what we perceive to be our right opportunity and yielding to the lesser goal is the right decision.
Once the wrestler has escaped his opponent’s control, he/she is free to take control for himself or herself. The wrestler can settle in and again manage the match on his or her terms. From the neutral position, the wrestler can get a takedown—now having a 3-point advantage instead of 2-point (or zero points).
When we free ourselves from life’s control, we put ourselves in a position to manage our opportunities. We have a choice, keep fighting at the risk of getting nothing or take the lesser reward with the opportunity for future gain.
Sometimes, when what we are trying doesn’t seem to be working, we need to rethink our strategy—and “take the one”.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!