Learning to mountain bike as an illustration of how my brain works
This is an artificial trail full of obstacles. These are meant to require skill and be something you have to get over. I will be wracked with self-doubt and convinced that because it is hard I am going to struggle. Therefore I will struggle.
This is a natural trail. These rocks and tree roots are just here, they aren't intentional obstacles. I've been cycling over tree roots since I was a kid, this isn't hard. Therefore I just get on with it even if I wobble about a bit.
The annoying bit is, I know I'm struggling with the artificial trail because I have no confidence not because I'm not physically capable of it, but that doesn't actually help.
Brains are funny things. I'm very glad that when I started this job no-one ever approached teaching me stuff in a way that made me feel they didn't think I could do it.
ETA: I also wonder if I'd have more confidence regarding physical challenges if my mother hadn't spent my entire childhood telling me I was cackhanded and awkward.
This is a natural trail. These rocks and tree roots are just here, they aren't intentional obstacles. I've been cycling over tree roots since I was a kid, this isn't hard. Therefore I just get on with it even if I wobble about a bit.
The annoying bit is, I know I'm struggling with the artificial trail because I have no confidence not because I'm not physically capable of it, but that doesn't actually help.
Brains are funny things. I'm very glad that when I started this job no-one ever approached teaching me stuff in a way that made me feel they didn't think I could do it.
ETA: I also wonder if I'd have more confidence regarding physical challenges if my mother hadn't spent my entire childhood telling me I was cackhanded and awkward.