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Jump off your Trestle

Written by: Jamie Broughton

Article Overview: I believe the way we do anything is the way we do everything. Are you a watcher? Are you a hesitater? What effect does an audience have on you? What’s your trestle right now? Read on to find out more...

Jump off your Trestle

“He who is not courageous enough to take
risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
~ Muhammad Ali
US world champion boxer, still regarded as
‘the greatest,’ stricken with Parkinson's Disease



I had a conversation recently with someone considering making a big change professionally. He wasn’t sure which of his options to choose and wanted some input. It reminded me of an interesting experience I had in my teen years at a friend’s cottage in British Columbia – going to “the Cascades” for the first time.

The Cascades were the perfect place for teenagers like us to get away from the parents, catch some sun and do daring things. My friend took me to one section of the Kettle River where it narrows to about 25 feet, forming a deep gorge. There were huge rocks and cliffs and ledges of various heights on either side – perfect for jumping off – plus some nice spots to gather and hang out. Although it looked treacherous, the water was very deep with some easy spots to get out. Yet the place had an interesting feel about it – one of relaxation, energy and danger.

Shortly after arriving I was introduced to the trestle that spans the gorge, way, waaay up. “The really crazy university kids sometimes jump from up there,” I’m told. “You’ve GOT to be kidding” I think to myself.

Presumably having a good idea of the water depth, two brave souls couldn’t resist the challenge and started climbing up the cliffs to the trestle. You could tell it was a first time for both of them; the looks on their faces as they peered down from their new perch 100+ feet above the water spoke volumes.

They appeared to have a nervous conversation as they discussed their new-found challenge. I can only guess it went something along the lines of “Oh my goodness it looks a heck of a lot higher from up here.” or “holy cripes, I can’t believe you talked me into this, I’m going to kill you!” or perhaps “I feel like I’m going to puke I’m so scared”. With the company of an audience eagerly watching below, they were somewhat muted in their expression.

Soon, however, the first jumper stood up decisively, leaped off and landed with a wonderful splash, much to the delight of those of us below. He emerged from the water with a huge grin and began to encourage his friend.

The second jumper was clearly more reluctant and waited. And waited…and waited.

There were moments of standing up, getting ready to leap, then sitting back down again, unsure. Turning to leave, stopping, returning, pondering, and reconsidering. The longer it went on, the tougher it seemed to get. I could feel his anxiety. Twenty torturous minutes of this went by… until he finally climbed down.

While I can’t speak for jumper#2, I can relate to him. I have been an expert at waiting for the perfect time to “jump.” When I’m jumper #2, I continually question myself and the situation. “I’ll do it when all my ducks line up,” I think. I’m waiting for certainty. In the meantime, my mind makes things bigger/tougher/uglier than they actually are. Fear reigns. All the stories I created about the situation can keep me out of the game entirely. I’ve climbed down from my trestles again and again.

Some spend minutes, hours or weeks as jumper #2. Some spend a lifetime.

What about you?

Coaching Questions:

I believe the way we do anything is the way we do everything. While the story portrays the dichotomy of jumper #1 and jumper #2, life is a thousand shades of grey between those two points. Where are you on that continuum?

1. Are you a watcher – content to sit on the sidelines and envy the jumpers – or criticize them – rather than take any risks yourself? What have you missed out on that you later regret not trying? Could you start jumping with something less risky?

2. Are you a hesitater – wanting to jump but waiting to have all your ducks in a row, or fearing all the possible problems? What guarantee are you waiting for? Is that realistic? What would it take for you to jump?

3. What effect does an audience have on you? Declaring to the world your intention to try something can be a wonderful motivator. And sharing your results with those same people can be rewarding.

4. What’s your trestle right now? Without being foolhardy, what project, decision or challenge is within your realm of possibility?

Related Articles
  Responsibility
  You Don’t Always Have To Jump
  Persistence The Key To Success
  Top Tips on How to Jump into Personal & Professional Success
  “Should I or shouldn’t I”

Article Tags: audience, brave souls, british columbia, champion boxer, deep gorge, faces, heck, kettle river, ledges, muhammad ali, oh my goodness, parents, puke, relaxation, rocks, teen years, teenagers, trestle, water depth, world champion



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