The learning is in the Wobbles!
We've all been there. That nagging feeling of wanting to try something new, but being held back by a wall of "what ifs." The comfort zone, while cosy, can be a creativity killer and a progress blocker. So, how do we break free?
Many people believe that confidence is the key. "If only I were more confident, I could do that!" they say. Others argue for competence: "Once I know how to do it perfectly, I'll take the plunge." But what if we're looking at it all wrong? What if the real catalyst is something else entirely?
Enter: Courage.
It's not about having it all figured out before you start. It's about taking that first, shaky step, even when you feel completely unprepared. Think of a toddler learning to walk. They don't wait until they're perfectly balanced. They wobble, they fall, and they get back up, again and again. That's courage in its purest form.
I recently put myself well and truly out of my comfort zone by walking across the 45 metre high suspension bridge, El Puente Colgante in Portugalete, Bilbao. A previous version of me, would have just said “No Way!” and stayed on the ground, taking the easy way out and then applauding myself for having the courage to say No! Not this time! This time, my daughter said, “There is no way Mum will do that, she’ll be a wreck!” and laughed. The impact this had on me, spurred me on to demonstrate to her that I can display courage and I was so proud of myself for having risen to the challenge.
That day, my Learning was definitely in the Wobbles , which were inside my jelly legs!!
The truth is, competence and confidence are built through the act of courage. You don't magically acquire them beforehand. You learn by doing, and yes, by stumbling, and even falling, luckily not off the bridge! Those "wobbles," those moments of uncertainty and near-failure, and those outright setbacks, are where the real learning happens. They force you to adapt, to problem-solve, and to grow.
Think about it:
Starting a new hobby: You might feel awkward and clumsy at first, but with each attempt, you get a little better.
Giving a presentation: Your voice might tremble, but with each slide, you gain a bit more composure.
Learning a new language: You might butcher the pronunciation (I know this from first-hand experience of doing this!) but with each conversation, you become more fluent.
Launching a project: It may not succeed as planned, but the experience gives valuable insights.
Learning from Failures: The Right Kind of Wrong.
The fear of failure often stops us from taking action. But as Amy Edmondson brilliantly explores in her book, "Right Kind of Wrong," not all failures are created equal. Some failures are intelligent, valuable learning opportunities. They are the "right kind of wrong."
Edmondson distinguishes between preventable failures, which should be avoided, and intelligent failures, which occur when exploring new territory. These intelligent failures are essential for innovation and growth. They provide data, insights, and lessons that we can apply to future endeavours.
Instead of fearing failure, we should cultivate a mindset of learning from it. Ask yourself:
What can I learn from this experience?
What can I do differently next time?
How can I use this setback to grow?
Taking the First Step (and Learning Along the Way).
The key is to just start. Don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect skillset. Break down your goal into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate the small victories, and learn from the inevitable setbacks.
Embrace the discomfort. Remember, growth happens outside of your comfort zone. It's a messy, imperfect process, but it's also incredibly rewarding.
Although….A Note on Finding Balance in Comfort!
Now, while pushing your boundaries is essential, it's also crucial to acknowledge the value of moments of comfort. It's not about constant, relentless discomfort. There is a place for comfort, especially when that comfort leads you to a state of Flow.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a pioneer in positive psychology, described Flow as the state of being completely absorbed in an activity, where time seems to disappear. It's that feeling of being "in the zone," where your skills and the challenge at hand are perfectly aligned.
Sometimes, your "comfort zone" can be a space where you consistently experience Flow. Perhaps it's playing a musical instrument, painting, writing, or engaging in a sport you love. These activities, while comfortable, can be deeply fulfilling and contribute to your overall well-being.
The key is to differentiate between passive comfort (stagnation) and active comfort (Flow). One leads to stagnation, the other leads to deep engagement and joy.
So, push your boundaries with courage, embrace the wobbles and the falls, learn from the "right kind of wrong," and discover what you're truly capable of. But also, carve out time for those activities that bring you Flow, those moments where comfort and engagement harmonize, creating a truly enriching experience. Find the balance between courageous growth and mindful engagement. You'll be amazed at what you discover.
Here are some questions for you to reflect with:
"Where are you playing it too safe?"
"What's your biggest learning from a recent 'failure'?"
"Who's experiencing 'flow' on our team, and how do you support it?"
"Are you rewarding courage or just results?"
"What's one small risk you should take today?"