You know how it is when your brain is working on a new concept and all around you, the world keeps throwing you examples?
That’s how it’s been for me for the last few months. I’ve been studying the concept of how people learn new behaviors and what makes some people more successful than others at changing. And it turns out that the people who are the best at learning new things are the people who aren’t afraid to take risks and aren’t afraid to fail.
Recently, I came across this video. It’s about a tribe in Africa where the hunters aren’t able to take down a large animal because they lack the resources to make strong bows and arrows. So, instead, they ……. well, watch it for yourself.
Just an incredible clip. The thing that strikes me the most forcibly is that the only tool they have is …. a lack of fear. They totally have to bluff the lions and the slightest show of fear would render the whole bluff useless. After watching that, all of our usual excuses about why we can’t do x, or how doing y is just impossible because of z, are pretty lame, aren’t they?
We all need to be doing things we’re afraid of. That should be part of your goals each and every week. Find something you’re afraid to do …. and then go out and do it. And keep doing it until you’re not afraid, anymore.
For me, the obstacle I’m working to overcome right now is a literal obstacle. At the gym, I’m working to conquer the box jump. For whatever reason, I’m really afraid to jump up on that stupid box. I have no idea why. My trainer says it’s a really common fear in women. I keep working on it and eventually, I will conquer the fear and become a great box jumper. 🙂
What about you? When’s the last time you did something you’re afraid of? When’s the last time you challenged yourself to do something you didn’t think you could do?
Go find that thing that makes your heart pound in your chest and your stomach have butterflies. Go face the lions.
Hi, I’m Rebecca Watson. Author of I Want Sex, He Wants Fries.
Very interesting. The suggested videos at the end of this one also showed this: http://youtu.be/AUftybGP9kk
Which is perhaps even more impressive.
Good link!
KingProphetPriest —
That’s pretty amazing. Thanks for the link.
I have seen some really fit, tough people miss on a box jump. I have missed before. It happens. You are probably afraid to look silly. Practice at home where no one is watching. Off to face my lions today.
mike —
I’m not so much afraid to look silly as I’m afraid to fall. Which *is* silly, considering that it’s not more than about a foot and a half.
Keep facing those lions and so will I. 🙂
Hey Serenity – just saw this now. Interesting how the Big Guy leads you places at certain times. Nice post.
Not silly to be afraid of box jumps and everyone, not especially women as your trainer said, is afraid of them. If you miss, it hurts. Scraping/slamming, bruising your shins is PAINFUL. But by now, this “obstacle” is likely in your rear view mirror.
I think it’s a little humorous that you aren’t cross fitting, yet you are. You’re doing all the exercises they do at the box.
Happy new year Serenity.
ANewHope —
I got so lucky with the gym I found. The owner/trainer is excellent and it’s a great (small) group of people at the time I go.
I got busy in December and fell off going so got back this week for the first time in almost a month.
Oh. My. Gosh. The pain is incredible. My trainer just laughed an evil laugh. Of course, I dare not complain because I know what he will say. “That’s what you get for being a slacker.” lol
This reminds me of when we saw my 4th grade teacher at the grocery store. I never considered that my teacher existed outside of school as a real person!
Awesome that you went back.