I was watching tennis the other day and the announcer was talking about the beginning of one player’s career and how he was so small that on the courts he was constantly chasing balls because he had to get around his opponent, he couldn’t go through them like bigger players learn to master. As a result, he became a great baseline player; he became great at something by doing it over and over and over again.
It made me think about what seems to happen as we get older. We suck at something so we give it up. And that habit can reach far beyond sports to set us up for so many other failures in life: diet and exercise, stepping outside our comfort zones, learning a new skill, doing what makes us happy. When do we ever stick it out with something until we see progress? Living healthier is a good example. If we’re trying to lose weight, we’d rather try 6 different “miracle” diets and fail, rather than sticking with the tried and true eat less and exercise more! We’re always looking for instant gratification instead of the benefits of the journey itself.
Why do we care so much about sucking at something anyway? Who cares if we’re not good at something, or if it takes us longer to overcome a weakness. Especially if we really enjoy what we’re doing, then why give up? Why do we let sucking overshadow our fun? And why can’t we let the visions of success, health or happiness motivate us to keep trying?
I think we’ve got to get over the fear of looking like a fool. We know by now that we’re much more impressed by people who try than those who give up. So impress yourself by going back to that thing you once gave up because you didn’t think you were good enough. Don’t worry about how long it takes you to master that ground stroke or learn a dance move, just keep on learning and practicing. Let your own satisfaction and joy keep you moving forward and trust that you’ll get where you want to be as long as you don’t give up. Be in it for the journey; think of how many opportunities you’ll come upon along the way. Know that the greatest lessons come during the most difficult trials. And once and for all, know that you CAN make it!
