There are certain things you do that come naturally. You don’t even have to think about it. Your mind and body instinctively functions with ease and confidence. Your actions are involuntarily, like second nature. So what happens when you are challenged with something that you are just not good at? You struggle, get easily frustrated, your brain shuts off, become mentally drained, and more than likely you give up and never attempt it again.
Here are 3 things that I suck at but I keep striving to be better.
#1 SNOWBOARDING
Every year, my family plans a winter trip that I dread. I adore my family and, to me, nothing is better than family time. But I know that I would have to get on a snowboard, ride the lift, and make my way down (repeatedly). I start feeling the frustration days before the trip and already have negative feelings about the whole experience. I’ve got a crap attitude about it from the minute I get there through the whole gearing up process. It’s a lose-lose for me, right? WRONG! Every single time I go, I remember the feeling of being on the board so my body is at ease quicker than the year before. I automatically acclimate to the instability of the board and understand how to fall and land softly. I learn just a little bit more about my body and the sport. So this year’s trip wasn’t so bad. I did walk in with a negative attitude and my brother and I always get into a little argument (as he so sweetly is trying to teach me) but eventually, I was up and down the slopes on my own and felt much more confident. My brother and sister-in-law are snowboard fanatics so this trip will happen every winter…it’s inevitable. But I am determined to get better every year instead of just giving up and sitting in the hot tub. 😉
#2 DANCE CLASS
I LOVE LOVE LOVE to dance and am actually a pretty good dancer on the dance floor. But throw me in a class where the steps are choreographed and timed…I’m the one 5 steps behind. There is a major mental block in my head when it comes to choreography. I still can’t explain what it is but I fight tooth and nail to do better. I have been taking dance classes every week for almost 2 years and still struggle through a class but am doing 100x better than my very first class. Just like training your muscles, training the brain is just as (if not, more) important. New brain cells form, stronger connections between them, and better mental activity. Challenging your brain to different tasks and thought patterns, in the long run, help with better brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Especially as you age, putting your brain through these tests daily is crucial. The frustration and insecurity I used to feel has been replaced with a bit more confidence and a feeling of “just not giving a crap” because I’m having so much fun. I am so grateful for my client, Amita, for encouraging me to go to Broadway Dance Center. It started my love and motivation to succeed in dance class.
#3 TRAPEZE SCHOOL
Have you ever climbed up a ladder or looked over an edge and feel your legs quiver and the sensation of falling? That was me every single time I was challenged with height. I hated the feeling and it was sometimes debilitating. My phobia of heights was unbearable and worse part was I had no control over it. So when I came across Trapeze School of NY, I knew I had to take a class. There was just no escaping my fear. A harness is attached to my waist so no reason to fear falling to injury but I still had to climb up a ladder taking me to a platform approximately 50 feet from the ground. Once on the platform, I jump off it and swing back and forth from a trapeze bar. It was nerve racking and so stressful the first 3 attempts but the more I did it, my body adjusted and the less panicky I became. The body is amazing and can acclimate to anything when exposed to repetition. The stress receptors fired up in my brain, kicked me into survival mode and made me stronger with every “fly” (trapeze lingo). I learned to adapt to the climb and the pull of gravity as I leaped off the platform. Slowly, I was able to detach from my fear and feel my body go through the motions. I gained a sense of awareness and began to control my body and mind to perform. I have taken 4 classes so far (and just booked my 5th) and every time I fly I feel more confident. Climbing the ladder is now a piece of cake however jumping off the platform still needs work. But I absolutely love it and have definitely overcome my fear of heights.
You may ask…What’s the point? Why should I put myself in such a vulnerable position? Is it worth it? Who cares? Why start at the bottom? What if I never get better?
My ONE answer to you is WHY NOT??? The feeling of accomplishment alone makes it all worth it. Tackle a challenge, supersede expectations, break down insecurity, and manage the self talk and frustration are all reasons to do something you’re not good at. Not to mention the brain gains! Choose ONE thing you’re not good at or something you have always wanted to do but afraid to fail at…and JUST DO IT!! If you put your mind to it, you will achieve it. I would love to hear about your journey so don’t hesitate to email me and let me know. HAVE FUN doing something you suck at! I’ll be cheering you on!!