Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're the novice among experts? That's exactly how I felt on my recent family ski trip. As a late bloomer to skiing, I embarked on this adventure with both excitement and trepidation, unsure of what to expect but eager to learn.
The first day on the slopes was a mix of exhilaration and frustration. I opted for a private lesson alongside my 6-year-old daughter, who seemed to take to skiing effortlessly. Meanwhile, I struggled to master even the basics, relying heavily on the instructor's guidance to navigate the slopes. It was a humbling experience, to say the least.
As I lagged behind, trying to perfect my pizza slices while my daughter waited patiently at the bottom of the slope, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Not only was I hindering my own progress, but I was also impeding her enjoyment of the experience.
Thankfully, the second day brought a welcome change. Our instructor, recognizing the disparity in our abilities and the impact it had on our enjoyment of the activity, suggested separating our lessons. This simple adjustment allowed each of us to learn at our own pace, free from the pressure of comparison, and boredom of waiting around (for my daughter).
Reflecting on this experience, I realized the profound wisdom in adopting a learner mindset, both on the slopes and in life.
Here are a few key reflections and takeaways:
Have fun with it and don't take yourself too seriously: Skiing reminded me of the importance of embracing the learning process with a sense of humor and humility. By letting go of the need for perfection and embracing the inevitable falls and missteps, I found greater enjoyment and progress on the slopes. I am not in a hurry to be amazing at it, it will take time and a bunch of tries but I got myself (to some degree of success) to enjoy the process!
Learn from Kids: Taking cues from my children, I've been humbled by the resilience they naturally exhibit in the face of challenges. Witnessing their ability to stumble, yet bounce back with unwavering determination has been truly inspiring. As I observed my daughter effortlessly glide down the slopes, I couldn't help but admire her fearless spirit. Despite my initial inclination to stick to the "pizza" technique (slowing down on skis), her fearless approach encouraged me to embrace the "french fries" method (parallel skis for faster sliding). It was a metaphorical shift from caution to courage, guided by her example.
The Value of Blending Expert Guidance with DIY Practice: My first foray into the snowy mountains was a memorable one, to say the least. It was during my college days in California, when a group of friends and I embarked on a day trip to a nearby mountain. While my friends claimed to be beginners, I was a true novice with zero experience on the slopes. Opting to snowboard – the supposed tougher option – I found myself struggling from the get-go. See I was 20 then and was more of a daredevil. With our boards secured, we boarded the ski lift.
Despite my repeated reminders to my friends about my lack of experience, I found myself struggling to disembark gracefully. While everyone else in the group effortlessly navigated the slopes, it became painfully clear that I was the odd one out. Their ease on the snow highlighted my own ineptitude, leaving me feeling defeated and embarrassed. As I picked myself up from yet another tumble, I couldn't help but feel a blow to my ego, already bruised from my less-than-graceful exit from the lift.
At the summit, my friends bid me farewell with a cheery "Ta taaaa" as they effortlessly glided down the slope. Left alone, I nervously pondered how to even begin. Fortunately, one friend circled back with some quick advice: "Strap your boots tight, bend your knees, and let gravity do the rest. Have fun!" With that, he was off, leaving me to figure out the boot situation. In my attempt to secure them, I inadvertently loosened them, sending my board careening down the hill. Oopps....
Minutes later, a friend returned on the ski lift with a familiar board in tow, cautioning me about the dangers of loose gear. Lesson learned: never unstrap at the top of the hill, and always hold onto your board securely. It may seem obvious, but for a novice like me, it was an important lesson in safety and etiquette on the slopes. Throughout the day, I persevered, determined to master the basics on my own.
By day's end, I found myself able to navigate down the hill, change directions, and even mitigate my falls. It was a small victory, but a significant one nonetheless. While tackling challenges solo can be empowering, I also recognized the value of guidance. This experience highlighted the importance of striking a balance between independent exploration and seeking expert advice. Learning, to me, is a blend of gaining initial insights from professionals and then venturing out on my own to refine my skills through hands-on practice.
Fake it till you become it: As a big admirer of Amy Cuddy, I often reference her TED talk on body language and its impact on confidence. I've found that by simply carrying myself with more assurance, even while lugging skis around, I can cultivate a sense of ownership and confidence. Shifting my focus from staring at my skis to looking ahead has not only boosted my confidence but also helped alleviate some of the underlying anxiety I feel. ‘tis the small things.
Be Around people who support and inspire: Surrounding myself with energizing people has played a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and motivating environment throughout my journey in life - this ski trip was no exception. My daughter, with her blend of bravery and thoughtfulness, instills me with courage. While my husband's adventurous spirit, particularly evident during a challenging foggy afternoon on the slopes, serves as a constant source of inspiration. Though I may not share his enthusiasm for danger-chasing, his unwavering thirst for exploration never fails to motivate me. Additionally, my cousin's infectious sense of humor added levity to the trip, allowing me to embrace my shortcomings with a lighthearted perspective. Finally, the encouragement from nearby family members further fueled my passion for this newfound hobby, promising future trips to the same mountain coupled with family visits.
In conclusion…
In essence, my ski trip served as a poignant reminder of the power of embracing the journey of learning, regardless of age or experience. By cultivating a learner mindset and embracing opportunities for growth, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and experiences beyond our wildest imagination.
So, here's to embracing the slopes of life with courage, curiosity, and a whole lot of french fries (and maybe a few slices of pizza!)
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