Taking Inspiration From My Daughter

Two days ago my daughter Elsa (3 1/2) announced that she'd like to cycle herself to school - a local Chinese kindergarten just round the corner from where we live. Her bike was last year's birthday present from her ayi (like a Chinese nanny). But Elsa never really got the hang of it before winter came. She would only pedal backwards.

Now, I'm naturally quite an impatient person, and mornings - before the coffee has kicked in - are not my best time. But I knew it would be wrong to simply grab hold of the handlebars and drag an oblivious backwards-pedalling Elsa speedily to school. I forced myself to patiently explain to her the principles of forward motion.

She tried hard to comply, but our progress was shaky at best. It took a full 15 minutes to navigate the mere 100 metres to the school, and we collided with a fair few parked cars en route.

So today I got the bike ready with a sinking heart. But I was pleasantly surprised... in the space of 24 hours, Elsa had improved dramatically. She was actually able to cycle unaided for a good portion of the way, and this time the neighbours' cars survived unscathed.

I felt the ridiculously disproportionate pride of any parent witnessing their darling child doing something for the first time.

And it made me think. If you've ever made pancakes, you'll know how the first pancake is always a bit tricky. It resists flipping, tending to stick a bit, and often comes out a bit thin and apologetic looking. The next pancakes are usually a lot better. But we still eat that first pancake - it tastes just the same as its more convincing successors even if it doesn't look quite the polished article. It's basically the same message, but one that is worth repeating: we too often believe that our first attempt at something reflects all we are capable of. It's hard to plough on in our learning period, making mistakes - and sometimes even going backwards! But Elsa had proven to me the amount of progress that could be made in just one day. I resolved anew to push through my self-imposed comfort zones.

Where are you too comfortable? Set yourself a small goal that will expand your knowledge or develop a skill. What's your equivalent of Elsa's 100 metre bike ride?


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Sarah helps mid-career professionals transition from the corporate world to self-employment "off the beaten path". Her clients want to follow a passion, express their creativity or help people or society in some way - and at the same time to lead a richer, more family-friendly lifestyle. Sign up to Sarah's FREE mini e-course 5 Keys to Finding Freedom By Doing What You Love at http://www.nomoredreadingmondays.com