Motivation from Germany’s finger wrestling championship

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Motivation from Germany’s finger wrestling championship

Last week over 150 Bavarian men competed in Germany’s national championship of Fingerhakeln - aka finger wrestling. Finger wrestling originated as a way to settle disputes and has morphed into a well-known competitive sport in Germany and Austria. This year’s tournament took place inside a big beer tent where 1,000 visitors cheered on contestants while drinking beer, eating sausages and listening to live Bavarian music.

A finger wrestling matchup consists of two competitors sitting across the table from one another and hooking middle fingers through opposite sides of a small leather loop. When the match begins, both contestants try to pull the other across the table. The match typically lasts a few seconds. During competition, it is common for fingers to be pulled from joints.

Whether or not you enjoy finger wrestling, here are 3 ways to use Germany’s unique national championship as motivation:

The little things count: Fingers make up only a small part of the human body but are incredibly important for finger wrestling competitions and life in general. Just like our little fingers, doing the little things when running, working or generally in life often make the difference between winning and losing.

Everybody has unique talents: Just like the strong fingers of the Bavarian men competing for the championship are different from the dainty fingers of competitive lock-pickers, we all have unique talents and can benefit from focusing on them.

There’s many ways to find community: Sometimes its finger wrestling, something its beer and other times its just about being around the right people. Finger wrestling is an unlikely way to meet others and find a community. Don’t limit yourself when searching for others to spend time with, there are many activities and causes that bring people together.

Thank you for the inspiration finger wrestlers! Let’s have a great week!