How learning to jump rope taught me about fulfilling potential

Lessons from learning a new physical skill

It’s not always the biggest challenge that makes the biggest impact

Do something you didn't believe you were capable of and watch your self-confidence sky rocket.

Thats what happened wen I finally learned how to jump rope.

We too often think of overwhelming physical challenges as necessary to transform ourselves. But learning something new that's not extreme can be just as influential in changing your direction. When we understand this we see why physical achievements focus our spirit’s towards our best selves.

No Jump Rope For Me

I'm someone who always used physicality as a status marker.

I was a sporty kid who excelled in any sport I tried. I even became a sport historian because of this love! But I could never jump rope.

When our gym teachers brought the ropes out I always felt despair. I couldn't seem to get the timing right. I fell down and tripped so many times. I began to believe that I just couldn't find balance. I projected that weaknesses into other areas.

It didn't matter that I could balance on skates for example.

I shied away from sports I associated with balance, like skiing, skateboarding, gymnastics. I created my own prison of self-doubt.

One movement led to another

Then in my mid 20s I started playing the drums. One thing became clear, my hands were weak. After a few minutes of playing I'd have to stop.

I began looking into ways I could improve my grip strength that fit with my existing fitness plans. I workout at home doing as many full body exercises as possible. The easiest and cheapest solution, buy a jump rope

I became determined to learn and it was a struggle.

I clipped my back with the rope so many times it looked like someone whipped me. I laboured to jump five times in a row and spent months making marginal improvements.

Fast forward and I've been jumping rope for the past 8 years consistently. I’m able to use multiple variations with different weighted ropes. I'm not the best, but I'm far better than I ever imagined (PROOF)

My confidence soared

So how did this impact my sense of confidence?

There are 2 important takeaways.

1. Sense of Disbelief

When you achieve something you didn't think possible it creates dissonance in your self perception: "Did I JUST DO THAT?"

You're no longer the person who "couldn't do X."

You're now the person who overcame their inability to do 'X.'

2. Unfinished business

Once you knock down a false image of your capabilities you'll begin to wonder "What else am I leaving on the table?"

It's like dominoes. Once you knock down the first the rest fall. You crush one set of doubts and then you set your sights on the next.

When you no longer doubt your ability to do something you've never done you gain the self confidence to approach new activities with hope instead of dread.

When I learnt how to jump rope it took me almost 2 years of consistent practice to jump with correct form. But it's opened so many doors for me.

One thing it proved to me was that I indeed do have balance! I've recently bought new gymnastics inspired equipment to help me even more.

What can you apply today?

1. Think of something you want to do but believe you can't

Start making a plan of the small steps you can take to overcome the fear of failure.

When I jumped rope that was baby steps "Jump 3 times without tripping, do it 10 times in a row, etc..."

2. Record the process

Not in terms of measurement but in terms of feeling and meaning.

What do you learn about yourself by overcoming this hurdle?

3. Detail your progress

Take a step back to see how far those baby steps have taken you.

You'll be amazed at all you've already accomplished.

4. Create momentum

Once you've created that sense of disbelief "I just did that!" you're ready to transfer that energy into the other arenas of your life.

In this way you've used your body to help strengthen mind and spirit because you can't fake it with your body.

You either do it or you don't.

This is how I take sport philosophy and turn it into actionable change.

It's not abstract ideas confined in a classroom or book.

It's real world action that orients us towards our greatest potential.