Throwing in the Towel

I have heard many people in the last few weeks declare that they want to give up. It got my mind spinning around the idea of “throwing in the towel.”

I can only assume that that term originated in boxing, when a trainer would stop a fight because his poor student was getting bludgeoned in the ring. It was a way to declare defeat before the poor guy dropped for good.

If you feel like you are getting beat up right now, and you’re thinking about throwing in the towel …don’t. At least not yet.

Now, there are circumstances in which this could be the wise thing to do. If you are on the brink of emotional, physical, or mental breakdown, you should at least take a time out. More often than not, when we want to give up, all we really need is to step back from our circumstances and reflect.

There have been times when I have seen key decisions made because someone refused to get out of the ring and go and reflect. This is poor emotional intelligence. Do not react. Have the courage and mental acuity to realize what you are doing and force yourself into some reflection. Step back from the situation and come back at it when you have greater clarity and peace.

If indeed you need to throw in the towel, my coaching would be that you do so only after deep reflection, clear counsel, and good old-fashioned time.

Burnout is an issue in times of change, and towel-throwing is talked about a lot. Making the right decision to quit requires you to be at your best. Are you really at your best when you are in the very circumstance that is causing you to spin?

Stop. Break away. Put down all of your electronic devices and go and think for a few hours. To do so could not only save your career, but also save you from making a decision that could change your circumstances for the worse.

We all need more “think” time. It’s funny how we just don’t value that as much anymore. I am all for hard work, but not to the point where we can put ourselves in a position to throw in towels prematurely.

It is very likely that this action could create wonderful things for your future.

Have a restful and fun weekend.

Coach Steve

 

Comments

[Hank Humphrey]

Some of the best teaching for that for me was in Men's Fraternity's Quest for Authentic Manhood when Robert Lewis talks about as men one of our biggest obstacle is feelings. (Session 18- A Biblical Definition of Manhood)
It reminded me too in that there are tough times and not to let my feelings guide my thinking and to push thru and lead and have courage.
Real Men 1)reject passivity 2) Accept responsibility 3) Lead courageouly and expect the greater reward in life; God's Reward!

Thanks Steve!

[steve]

Right on, Hank! I really dig your 1-2-3's of real men! Awesome!

s

[Amy Paldi]

It was a pleasure meeting you on the plane from Salt Lake back to Portland. Your words are wise and I will keep them in mind when I am experiencing burn out and feel as if throwing in the towel is the best solution.

Thank you,
Amy