If you want to get good at something, you have to be willing to fall. My son Joshua is an accomplished skateboarder. Me--I’m an old-school boarder. I learned on clay wheels and a flat wood board. I never learned to kick flip, ollie, manual, or any other tricks. Tonight though, I asked Josh to teach me how to ollie. I started off with my right foot on the tail of the board, kicked up, tried to roll my forward foot, and got a little air. I tried a few more times, and just kept skating. Then I fell and I fell hard. All 43 years of me landed on hip, knee, and hand. It hurt and I was a bit stunned. But after a few minutes on the concrete, I got up. Josh said my wipeout was nothing and he has fallen a lot harder.
It’s not magic, though it looks like it, when Josh is air-bound and maneuvering his board. He has become an excellent skater because he practices and is willing to fall--willing to experience failure--for a short time.
If you want to excel at something--your work, your faith, relationships--get out there and do it, get on the board, practice, and be willing to fall. Does it hurt? Yes, but you have to get back up.
After my fall (and lying on the concrete for a few minutes), I got back up, skated a little bit, and told Josh I never like to end with a failure.
Drink Coffee. Do Good. Get Up When You Fall.
J
Comments