“A Snake Pit” is the phrase Keith Williams used to describe the Nebraska High School State Wrestling Tournament. Twenty years later I finally understand what he meant. It is a tournament of ruthless competition and if you come out on top of the podium you are a tough son of a bitch.
I haven’t thought much about this tournament until the past couple years as I cheered on my girlfriend’s son, Devin. He had a hell of a season finishing fourth at 195 pounds in class B. Watching his matches I was reminded of the indescribable highs and the heart breaking lows that are part of the sport of wrestling
Reflecting on my glory days of high school wrestling I entered that snake pit four times. Each year believing I was going to be a state champ. Only to emerge the victor once. That means three times I had to pick myself up off of the mat, knowing I fell short of my goal. It’s a feeling only a wrestler knows. You want to scream. You want to crawl in a hole. You want to break something in half. But you stand up like a man and deal with it.
I have wrote before that hunting replaced wrestling as a major part of my life after graduating from college. It is probably due to the highs and lows that come with hunting. My first archery elk hunt had a pretty big low. We had hunted hard for six days. After taking a short break on the side of the mountain Tyler made a few cow calls as we were getting ready to go. We weren’t really in position and heard elk crashing through the timber. A spike was in the lead and busted us, but another one was still coming. A bull passed behind a pine tree and I drew my bow back. He stepped out broad side at less than 20 yards. I hit my release and watched the arrow sail over his back.
I couldn’t believe it. That was my one opportunity and I blew it. I felt the same emotion as losing at the state tournament. I wanted to throw my bow. I wanted to crawl in a cave. However, I picked up my arrow, shook it off, and said lets go find another one.
I didn’t fill my elk tag that year, but I did the next. I never wanted that feeling of missing again. I shot my bow more. I got in better shape. I hunted harder. I was successful.
Wrestling prepared me for anything bad that happens in life. Failing sucks, but it makes you better. Each time I loss at state, I kept that feeling in the back of mind. I came back and earned a medal. Then I worked harder.
I am proud of Devin’s season. I look forward to next year and know he can be a state champ if he puts in the work and believes in himself.
Do you want the secret to victory? Then watch this video.
How Does This Apply to Business
First, don’t be afraid to fail. Life is tough and sometimes you will not come out on top. However, you can’t be afraid of calculated risks. Failure makes you stronger, smarter, and better.
Second, don’t become comfortable with losing. I’ve always hated losing more than I enjoyed winning. Losses drive me to work harder.
Third, learn from your failures, but move on. You can use a loss as fuel, but it is in the past. Don’t waist energy on what could have been, focus on what can be.
Until Next Time Remember…You’re Going to Have to Earn It