fight or flight

Instead of just sitting in that same old same old cantina, I take on self defense classes every Wednesday during lunch break. Well, actually, I already did that before, but I quit due to the high impact of it. Luckily a co-worker dragged me back into the punch.  I’m not going to tell you which martial art it is, let’s just say that its motto would be “hit ‘em where it hurts *ding dong*"

Truth be told, just like before, I still am the slowest student. But I don’t give up. In the beginning I was very self conscious. Everybody else already had some combat experience, or at least packed some punch. So during my first lessons  I was constantly apologizing to everybody for slowing down the progress of the group. You might guess that people who eat knuckle sandwiches for breakfast, might react quite strongly to this. But no. They were patient.

“We’ve all been there, kid.”

“Everybody has to start somewhere.”

“Hey, at least you’re learning.”
“No, you’re not a bad student, it is my job as a teacher to make you better.”

And so on.

The general idea was that the chain is as strong as the weakest link. And instead of breaking down that link, people were patient, understanding, allowing this weak link to become stronger.
Now, I still don’t eat knuckle sandwiches for breakfast, but at least I’m not held back to learn.

Take this example and implement it with anything. The reason why we don’t learn new skills is due to the (irrational) fear that people will judge us as the rookie we are. This is hardly ever the case (and if it is: find a new group/teacher).  Our goal isn’t to stay out of the professional’s way. Our job is to make progress, become better and always be eager to learn. And nothing can stop you… You only have to fight your own thoughts and fears.  The rest of us do the same thing. 

True, if you got talent, you have an advantage. But there are things just as important (if not perhaps even more important). And those things are patience and perseverance.
Of course... a bit of self mockery and humor can also be valuable ass-sests.