You Must Be Foolish to Improve
No one wants to look foolish, stupid, or dumb. I know that I don’t. But feeling a bit foolish can be the gateway to making big strides for one’s self. Consider an ability like walking. Today, we take it for granted that our legs carry us around. Most of the time, we can do it without thinking about it. However, there was a time in life where you just fell. Not just once or twice, but dozens, hundreds, maybe thousands of times until now. At one point, your parents laughed at your effort, or others chuckled away at the cutesy attempts, but you eventually overcame it. May have even ran or jumped at some point too. Nonetheless, you looked foolish when you first started, but remember, “In order to improve, one MUST be WILLING to look foolish sometimes.”
Within personal growth and self-improvement, the choice of “must” carries significant weight. The distinction between "should" and "must" is subtle but transformative. When we say we "should" do something, it implies a sense of obligation, often influenced by external factors or societal expectations. However, when we declare that we "must" undertake a certain action, it becomes a personal commitment, an inner calling that resonates with our deepest aspirations. To truly improve, one must shift from the realm of 'shoulds' dictated by external pressures to the realm of 'musts' that arise from an authentic desire for growth. This shift signifies a personal investment and a powerful acknowledgment that improvement is not just an option; it's a necessity for a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Central to the path of improvement is the courage to look foolish at times. The fear of appearing incompetent or making mistakes can be a formidable barrier to progress. However, growth seldom occurs within the comfort of a well-polished facade. It's in moments of vulnerability, where one is willing to step outside the boundaries of familiarity, that genuine learning transpires. The willingness to look foolish is, in essence, the courage to embrace humility. It's an acknowledgment that every master was once a beginner, stumbling and fumbling their way towards expertise. By allowing ourselves to appear foolish, we open the door to experimentation, learning, and, ultimately, mastery.
The journey of improvement is not a destination; it's an ongoing ascent up the ever-increasing mountain of learning. The summit is ever-receding, revealing new challenges and insights with each step forward. This continuous climb demands a mindset that relishes the process, appreciates the small victories, and learns from the inevitable setbacks. As we ascend, the view becomes more expansive, our skills more refined, and our understanding more profound. The mountaintop is not a place to rest but a vantage point to survey the vast landscape of knowledge that stretches beyond. In this journey, the willingness to look foolish becomes a stepping stone, a necessary part of the ascent toward the next peak of understanding and mastery.
Also, consider that the things we are not skilled at have the greatest potential for vast improvements. If a powerlifter is already benching 700 pounds, how much more effort, energy, drive, and recovery is needed to eke out 705 pounds? While a personal best nonetheless, this same person may benefit from shoulder mobility work and various other assessments to ensure a healthy shoulder for life. World-record holder JM Blakley (a man with a 700-pound bench) admits that benching over 350 pounds is kind of useless unless you compete.
In conclusion, the imperative to improve is not a mere suggestion; it's a 'must.' This'must' is accompanied by the courage to occasionally look foolish—a willingness to shed the protective layers of ego and embrace the inherent vulnerability of learning. The mountain top of learning is not a singular summit but a series of peaks, each demanding its own ascent. So, let us not shy away from the occasional stumble or the appearance of foolishness, for in those moments lies the essence of genuine improvement and the perpetual journey towards the ever-expanding heights of knowledge and mastery.
