Monday Motivation: Taking Action – Make It Happen on the Mat
by Jon Gums Dakota Grappler
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” — Michael Jordan (Basketball)
Sometimes, even a basketball player gets it right! Jordan’s words perfectly capture the essence of what separates champions from the rest. In wrestling, just like in life, it’s not enough to dream about success—you have to put in the work, day in and day out, to make it happen.
Wrestling is all about taking action. It’s not just about stepping onto the mat but stepping up to the challenge that awaits. As legendary wrestler and coach Dan Gable once said, “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” This quote reminds us that the discipline, perseverance, and work ethic developed in wrestling prepare us to take on any challenge life throws our way. It’s about making things happen, not waiting for them to fall into place.
My Journey: Learning Through Action
Reflecting on my own journey as a young coach, I remember the struggles I faced when I took the head wrestling coaching position in Mobridge, SD—a community rich in wrestling history, home to NCAA Division 1 National Champions and Olympians Bill and Jim Scherr. Eager to make my mark, I stepped into a situation where the team was down, and the community was desperate for a revival.
With aspirations to transform the program, I dove headfirst into the challenge, coaching junior high football to recruit young athletes and increase participation. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned into a “go hard or go home” mentality. I was fresh out of college, and the desire to change things instantly blurred my judgment. I grabbed kids out of the hallways, encouraging them to join wrestling, thinking my passion would be contagious.
Unfortunately, my lack of a structured plan and my tendency to act without consulting experienced mentors created a disconnect. I was perceived as a know-it-all, which didn’t sit well with seasoned staff and former coaches. I expected parents and wrestlers to share my excitement, but my intense approach burned some out right from the start. Eventually, I lost that wrestling position, and I cried my eyes out, not truly understanding what I had done wrong.
However, instead of letting that setback define me, I learned from my mistakes. Those early experiences shaped my coaching philosophy and fueled my passion for the sport. Over the next 20 years, I coached with success, ultimately starting Dakota Grappler from scratch—a dream that transformed my love for wrestling into a business dedicated to promoting the sport in North and South Dakota for the past 25 years.
Taking Action: The Heart of Wrestling
This personal story underscores a vital truth in wrestling and life: action is essential. Just as I learned through my experiences, every wrestler must understand that taking action is key to success.
John Smith, one of the most decorated wrestlers in history, articulated this perfectly: “The first period is won by the best technician. The second period is won by the kid in the best shape. The third period is won by the kid with the biggest heart.” It’s in that third period where actions speak louder than words. It’s where the desire to make it happen becomes the will to keep fighting when others might give up.
To further emphasize this, Terry Steiner, the Women’s Olympic Wrestling coach, reminds us: “Greatness is a choice. You choose to be great every day by what you do.” His words resonate with the core message of taking action—greatness isn’t bestowed; it’s earned through daily commitment and effort.
Key Takeaways for Wrestlers:
- Dream Big, Act Bigger: It’s great to have dreams and goals, but they don’t mean anything without action. Like Michael Jordan said, the difference lies in making it happen.
- Learn from the Best: As Gable, Smith, and Steiner all illustrate, success on the mat is about more than just technique—it’s about heart, resilience, and the ability to push through when it counts.
- Transform Setbacks into Comebacks: Use every defeat as a stepping stone. The mindset of a wrestler isn’t just to wish for a win but to train, prepare, and fight for it.
- Commit to the Process: As you train, remember that each practice and each match is an opportunity to make strides toward your goals. Stay consistent and dedicated.
- Be the One Who Makes It Happen: Don’t wait for opportunities to knock on your door—build the door yourself. Whether you’re training, competing, or just starting your wrestling journey, take action and make things happen.
Conclusion
In wrestling, just as in life, taking action is crucial. Every move on the mat mirrors the actions we take in our daily lives. So, as you step onto the mat this week, remember that success belongs to those who are willing to put in the effort.
Let this Monday serve as a reminder to embrace the challenges ahead, learn from your experiences, and make your dreams a reality—one action at a time.
