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My childhood idol was Elton John’s lyricist, Bernie Taupin. (Here’s proof). I marveled at Taupin’s words and their magical collaboration. They were fearless, and changed the world.
I recently saw an interview with Elton and he said that he and Bernie were rarely critical and never argued. They were different personalities, but in it together and implicitly respected the others’ process.
I used to spend hours holed up with a notepad, scribbling potential song lyrics. Eventually I learned how to play drums, started a band, and handed over my words.
One of the first lyrics I wrote was called “Who Am I?” The song was awful, and more Freud than Taupin, but I will never forget the opening verse:
Who am I to say you’re out of control
And who am I to let your time rule my soul
The wonders cease as my mind grows tired
But who am I to dismiss all my fear?
It was likely my first exploration of genuine compassion. I was chasing Gandhi, and confused about why people were so critical of each other . . . and themselves.
I’ve been immersed in many of the same feelings lately. Triathlon makes us vulnerable and has a tendency to bring out the critic. You put your soul on the line for a greater quest and the road is fragile.
Being critical is a natural defense. When we’re down, someone’s failure helps us feel better, a perfect recipe for late night TV.
It takes courage to attempt Ironman. It takes dedication, focus, and many failures along the way. We get called crazy, we struggle through injuries, we battle doubt.
Friends back away like pursuing a healthy mind and body is a disease. Our passion for self-improvement is called self-absorption.
And yet, many of us, including me, are critical of others on the same path. Parishioners denouncing the church.
Triathlon is a tribe. We are like minded-people that want to crush weakness and be our best selves. And it’s far more potent (and evolved) when we do it together.
There’s really no point in questioning another athlete’s methods, or letting their actions consume our thoughts. It wears us down and takes away our own power.
It takes courage to use fear in a way that makes us stronger. And treacherous rides are always more efficient with the Peloton.
The competition is ourselves. Allowing others (or yourself) to steal focus is a recipe for losing, not only a race, but a life.
