When is the last time that you did something (big or small) that caused you to forget fear in order to step outside of your comfort zone? Well, my friend Pam and I challenge one another to push our boundaries each year. Her physical challenge for 2014 was to conquer her fear of heights by going to a beginner flying trapeze class. I had such a great experience at Trapeze School New York several years ago, I encouraged her to sign up for one of their classes. I’m so glad that she did, because it was such a different experience observing the class than taking it. I took several mental notes that I plan on applying in both business and life overall. The top ones were the following:
1.) Don’t make excuses or comparisons. After seeing some of her fellow classmates do knee hangs from the trapeze bar, Pam (who gave me permission to share about the experience) started saying why she didn’t think that she would be able to do it. I’m sure that her reasons seemed valid in her head (don’t all of ours?) but I laughingly debunked each one. One of her excuses had me laughing out loud (think Jennifer Lopez’s new song :-))…but it still wasn’t a valid one!
2.) Jump…and jump again. The great thing about the trapeze class was that each student had several chances to fly. By the end of the class practically everyone was able to do knee hangs and even be caught by another (expert) flyer. It was a great reminder that if you keep pushing forward, exciting things can happen!
3.) Listen and follow instructions (at least at first) of trusted advisors. One of my favorite quotes is “Success leaves clues.” That was very obvious at this class. There were two instructors – one at the top of the platform and one at the bottom who was calling out instructions. Before the students started learning, each instructor did a little demonstration – of both basic and advanced trapeze skills – in order to gain trust. The students who listened and did exactly what both instructors said all learned the basic skills by then end of the class.
4.) Have your own personal cheering section. Many times, you come up against many naysayers when you’re trying something new. That is why it’s so important to have at least one person who is cheering your progress. The thing that I liked the most about the group of students at this particular class is that they were very supportive of one another. They were cheering and encouraging one another during each attempt. They wanted everyone to succeed…and they all did!
Pam’s final jump…
Flashback to my “I Believe That I Can Fly” trapeze flying moment in 2007:
