In catching up with the latest sport competitions, I found myself watching Olympic martial arts competitions. I cannot imagine the angst involved in the competitive decision to tap out. Years, in some cases decades, of training, discipline, and dedication, which ends in a pivotal moment when all seems lost. In context of the fanfare, being chosen, and the exhilaration which naturally followed, tapping out in a frozen moment in time which one never forgets. If one is to survive, live for another day, the simple yet final act of tapping out makes it possible.
I am reminded of several tap out moments in my life. Some were shared with others. The most memorable for me occurred in a dark night of the soul, as I wrestled on the edge between moving forward and utter resignation. In tapping out I realized my act of resignation was a step in moving forward to something better.
There are reminders and lessons I hold from these experiences.
Tapping out is not an indicator for the future, it is a comment on the past. In my echo of the psalmist’s words, “Oh listen, please listen; I’ve never been this low. Rescue me from those who are hunting me down; I’m no match for them,” (Psalm 142.6) I acknowledge the truth of where I am. The blocker to this acknowledgement is, for me, often centered around my ego and self-perception.
In the act of tapping out, I always find myself closing one door and opening another. The closed door reflects an inner belief that I am alone in my journey. In letting go of my inadequacies, poor performance, and failures, I open my arms to a shared strength which comes as loads are shared, growth is unleashed, and relationships are embraced. I rediscovered my life was never trapped in “I” because life is always “we”.
Great athletes use tap outs as motivation for better and more. I love the example of a competitor across eight Olympics talking about coaching and mentoring young individuals. Lessons across time coming together for others, now.
