Who else is glued to the Olympics each evening?
I am loving it, especially the swimming. Watching these incredible athletes who have earned their position on the starting blocks is inspiring. The dedication, sacrifice, and resilience they show are truly admirable.
But we don’t start on the starting blocks at the Olympic Games. We start at the very beginning, something I experienced last week and continue to experience.
In my podcast next week, I chat about FFT’s (F****** First Times), a term coined by the amazing Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and author known for her work on vulnerability, courage, and resilience. Doing something for the first time often feels icky and awkward because we are stepping outside our comfort zone. This is where growth happens, but it doesn’t make it easy.
I shared how I had been procrastinating about going to a spin class at a new centre after being off the bike for a long time! I used to be a regular ‘spinner,’ but not anymore. Anyway, I decided it was time to get back in the saddle.
Here’s the thing about me and the sporting arena: I am so competitive. I have confidence in myself that I will do well because that’s what I’ve always been great at – sport!
When asked about my fitness level, I confidently said 5. Way too confident in that reply! Then I saw there was a leaderboard. I thought, “This is great – game on! I will show these peeps what I am capable of!”
So off we went. After not cycling for at least 7 years, with a cancer diagnosis and ensuing rollercoaster in the mix, I reckon you can guess where I ended up on the leaderboard.
I definitely showed them what I was capable of: coming stone-cold last. I was so last that if we were cycling on the road, I’d still be cycling! I was so embarrassed I wanted to pedal that bike right out of the room, tail between my legs.
Hard lesson learned right there.
If I had been realistic with myself about where I was at and dropped the overconfident charade, I could have enjoyed a more pleasant ride and embraced where I was, rather than resisting it.
However, I have really had to fight my demons to get back in that room after my pathetic performance. And I had to change my mindset. The stories I was telling myself about being hopeless and embarrassing were not helpful. They could have held me back from the one thing that is important – progress.
Yes, I am starting at ground level, and that’s okay. Ariarne Titmus started at ground level too, faced her challenges, channelled her resilience, and stayed consistent. My choice is that I will too.
As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says, “Every action you take is a vote for the person you want to become.”
As hard as it was, I did show up again. I’m pleased to say my second class was better than my first – I was still last – and I still don’t like it – and will be for a while yet. But I am showing up. And that I am proud of!
Reflect on your own FFT moments. What have you been avoiding because it feels awkward or uncomfortable? Embrace the challenge, show up, and take that first step toward progress. That’s what’s important.
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