Falling Forward: The Unexpected Journey to Mastery
(The header image shows a cyclist riding along a path under a sky filled with colorful balloons.)
Have you ever face-planted so hard that you wondered if gravity suddenly got turned up for a split second? Well, I definitely have, more times than I can count. My friends always joke that I'd trip over thin air if possible. But even as embarrassing as those unexpected falls are, I actually prefer to think that, hey, at least I was moving in the first place when it happened.
It reminds me of when I was learning to ride a bike as a kid. Oh man, I lost count of how many times I toppled over before I finally got the hang of it. Skinned knees everywhere! But I never would have learned if I had just stood still, afraid to wobble and fall. The same goes for the first time my parents took the training wheels off. I was bruised that day but also triumphant.
And now? Even after all these years, I still sometimes lose my balance. But falling simply means I tried something new or pushed my limits. It's a sign that I put myself out there instead of sitting safely on the sidelines. Would I prefer to stay upright? Of course! But the falls keep me humble. And they represent tiny failures on the path to more tremendous success. Each time I get back up and try again, I improve at whatever I attempt. Before long, I'd mastered skills that had once seemed terrifying and impossible when I first wobbled.
So now, when I stumble spectacularly, I smile and remind myself that at least my shoes moved forward. It's better to fall flat on my face while pursuing my dreams than never to have tried reaching for them! The bruises and scrapes heal with time. But the personal growth and sense of accomplishment? Those last forever. Any misstep is just proof that I'm trying to improve myself and my world...even if that effort ends with me taking an awkward dive now and then! So bring on the falls - I can take it! I'd rather fail while moving forward than sit motionless and never know what amazing things I might have achieved if I had dared to try.
Recent Comments
53
Great analogy and reminder, thanks Abie 🤔🚴
The road to success or mastery is rarely, possibly never, in a straight line.
How can we enjoy the journey, and the many detours, as much as the end point?
How can we appreciate what we learn about ourselves, the skills we develop, and the many people, friends, and mentors we meet along the road less travelled.
Swap expectation for appreciation. Stay curious and top to smell and enjoy the roses along the way🤗❤️
Though, dang, I still remember how much it hurt when I first went head over heals over my handlebars. 🤕 But the next day I was back on the bike, having fun, enjoying the freedom 🚴
You're right - this life journey takes us on all twisty trails, not just a straight, smooth road. But that makes the ride more exciting! Even when we wipe out and get roughed up, we still progress towards our dreams.
Let's embrace each moment on the path, enjoy the excellent and lousy scenery, and appreciate every lesson that helps us grow. Stay curious, determined, and thankful for the unexpected delights and relationships we discover along the way.
Keep pedaling, but pause sometimes to rest, heal, and remind ourselves that it's all about the journey. Wherever our handlebars lead today, I'm glad we're on this adventure together! Now, let's get back out there with smiles and wind in our hair, ready to make more memories. 😄🚴
Thank you, I appreciate your feedback.
Great analogy, makes it easier to realise the bumps and scrapes are all part of the course….albeit a bit bumpy!!
Thank you
Thanks for the post. I needed this. Today has been a day of me wondering if I can actually do this or not. I shall see, I guess.
Jena
Oh wow! That's awesomeness.
You may want to look at Kyle's SuccesswithKyle.com. However, it doesn't include all the new stuff that has been added, such as hubs, AI Authorship, etc.
All the best with that :)
Keep going Jena.
You're making great progress.
Never doubt what you can achieve over time with consistent, daily, imperfect action 🚀
Oh Abie, thank you, so much! Kyle also put his updated review under the training video today. I'll be looking at both your link and his review for ideas! Now, to figure out how I want to write it! 🤪
Thank you!
Jena
Thank you for the encouragement, Kleron141!
I have already run into roadblocks, and haven't even gotten out of the core training! 🤦♀️ Things had me doubting a few times if I can do this, but I'm still here and I'm still hoping I can do this!
Take Care,
Jena
This is a great reminder. It helps me to understand that failure is actually the evidence of success in progress. Great and important post...Thank you
Thank you, Mike :) I appreciate your feedback. I hope your week is going awesomely productive.
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I was in the same boat, Abie! I had a hard time learning how to stop my bike on two wheels. You have no idea how many adults ran for cover, because I ran into their knees and shins multiple times! 😧🚲
I can relate to your analogy!
Isaiah 😁
Oh my, Isaiah! That's so funny. But it is good to know we're in the same boat. Thank you for sharing, and enjoy a fab Hump day.