How can I do that?
This morning we did squat snatches at Crossfit. The squat snatch is my favorite movement of all the Olympic lifts. It's also the most technical and most difficult. So it takes a very long time to learn, let alone master. Some might argue you can never master it (unless you're a professional). The reason I love it so much is because of this technical mastery. This isn't something you can just do. It takes hours and hours of practice and years of learning until one day, it clicks. One day you feel that bar literally fly up and you land under it and there's NOTHING better. NOTHING. I used to practice at home with a broom handle because the snatch is all about timing. The right timing to glide the bar over your shins and thighs, open your hips, squeeze your butt, pull, turn that bar over and press out your arms as you land underneath it. It's insanely frustrating when you first start — and even years later. Did I mention it's hard?
You aren't where someone else is
There was a relatively new guy in class this morning and he was doing what all of us do when starting out: bending his arms too early, not getting under the bar, using more arms than legs, not opening up his hips etc. My coach had him doing power snatches instead of squat snatches because again, he's not there yet. But he looked at me doing squat snatches and said, "how can I do that?" The answer, of course, is time and practice. I've been doing this for almost 11 years. And in that time, I've gotten to a point where the amount on the bar is barely increasing. Because it's not about adding more. It's about getting better. (for some context, here are some of my lifts over time including failures and progress. Things I notice: my butt rises too early, I pull too early, my knees come in or go forward. All of these need to be addressed in order to improve. That sneaker game though is strong!) At this point in my Crossfit journey, I'm not trying to do more. I'm actually trying to get more effective and efficient with less. I want to improve but not get hurt. I want to feel like I'm getting the best workout in the shortest time. I'm optimizing.
Micro improvements lead to maximum results
The same goes for business. At some point you can't keep adding weight to the bar, just like you can't add work to your plate. The goal becomes small improvements and efficiencies that let you do more for less. And earn more for less.
The longer you remain in business, the more of an expert you are. The less it takes you to do things and the more you can charge for them. Every time I speak I become a slightly better speaker. Every time I run a workshop, I become a better teacher. Every time I do a podcast, I use less filler words and sound a little more confident and knowledgeable.
But all of this takes time. We'll never be where the person next to us is.
And we need to stop comparing.
Stop comparing to people on social media.
Stop comparing to people in our networking groups.
Stop comparing to our perceived competition.
We'll never be them. And we don't want to be. We want to be us. We want to get there when we get
there. In our own way and on our own schedule.
It's easy to compare. It's easy to think of where we should be, what we should charge, or how long something should take. But we're all individuals and there is no should when it comes to who you are.
You're on your own path and timeline. The only thing you need to focus on is being more you and finding the people who will value that and appreciate it.
Consider what's possible
The same goes for job seekers. When you set yourself up as a whole person with relatable experience, expertise and transferable skills, (and a sprinkle of humanity and personality) you open up the possibilities of where you might land.
"I was able to land several interviews and I think my new resume helped with that. I’ll be starting a role as engagement manager and while it’s not the industry I was necessarily going for, the role sounded too good to pass up. Thanks for your support through this new job search." - Christian W.
If you're ready to define yourself on your own terms and in your own time, let's chat.