Day 04: Pole Vault

Dear J-

Today we all had the opportunity to jump off a log (okay, a utility pole); I was almost more interested in all the safety gear that we got to fit up with, but suffice to say that the challenge demanded, like all our challenges lately, laser-like focus and attention. Between the numerous commands and checks (we are sending people off a utility pole, after all) I didn’t even notice how cold it had gotten until we stopped and went over to the next station (a preview for tomorrow, which I will informally dub “The Intimidator”) to listen to the basic rules. It’s funny; the more we progress through these challenges the more I catch myself thinking I can instead of I can’t.

As this week has passed by the more I appreciate the opportunity to find out more about myself — the way I respond to pressure and challenges and therefore the way the world sees me. First know thyself; isn’t that right? I think I surprised myself most of all when I volunteered to go first up the pole today; if I hadn’t, I’m not sure that I would have had the courage to go up later. Actually, no; scratch that — I would have still done it, but perhaps not for the right reasons that bubbled up inside me and pushed my hand up.

One of the J-s in my life once told me that when he came to the States, he was determined to make a change: new school, new country, new faces, no intimidation. Back at his old school, he said, he was pretty shy and retiring, so he forced himself to be completely the opposite: it wasn’t comfortable or easy, but he’s made himself into the hilarious, crass person he is today — and a great friend to know, by the way — and we’re all better for it. One of the equations that’s popped up in the past few days is that because resistance to change is always greater than zero, you have to overcome that resistance with the product of three factors: dissatisfaction (with the status quo), vision (a compelling vision is much easier to follow), and first steps (you won’t get anywhere by standing still). Make that your lesson for the day: what have you done lately that you’re not happy with?

Mike

Tags: change, harness, leadership camp, leap, success, utility pole