It’s OK to tap

I remember the first time I tapped out in a Jiu Jitsu match. If you didn’t read it yet, go back to the April 9th blog, “Choked Out by a 15 Year Old: Being Humble in Life and Business.” This blog shared the example of when I first experienced what it was like to be in a physical position of being so dominated that if I did not call it quits, then I would be severely damaged. In this case, it would have been being choked unconscious by my opponent. Three minutes later, as I rolled with him again, he placed my shoulder in a shoulder lock and I was forced to tap out again.

Nobody wants to jump up and down and share to the world “Hey, I gave up”, or “I quit, woooohooooooo”. It is humbling, it can be embarrassing and it can create some negative emotions while going through the process to make that decision. The truth is that there are times in life and business where you should call it quits to avoid damage.

I am not encouraging anybody to give up easily. If you go read last week’s blog, “Position before Submission”, it talks about the times you do not want to quit. There are times when there is pressure and it is heavy. But there is also that point where you can push past, wait it out, change position slightly, make an adjustment and you will be perfectly okay. In Jiu Jitsu, if your arm is in an arm lock and about to get broken and you do not tap, you will have your arm broken. I have seen it before, and it is nasty. Was the result of not tapping worth what you were fighting for?

In business and life, one must ask the same question. Is the result of not tapping, giving up and regrouping to fight another day worth what you are trying to accomplish. With greater goals and aspirations, some may say “yes”, some may say “no. The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward always comes into play. Just know what may break your arm, choke you out and possibly not allow you to fight another day. If it is worth the risk, then go for it. This is not about being a quitter.

It is okay to tap out. If you do, there are lessons to be learned, and you can come back stronger than before. You will be there to fight another day and most likely will not make the same mistake twice.

I hope you have enjoyed my “Lessons from the Mats” series. I look forward to your feedback and comments.