Houston joined practice 58, yesterday. Houston practiced for the first time and was confused. Of course he was, right…
However, Houston had a problem. He did what so many humans do when they are confused. He went turtle. He tried to hide. His nervous habits, however, gave him away. Toward the end of practice I called out the obvious and made him more nervous instead of less. His response was FM, baby. I explained to him that it’s 100% normal to be confused when you attend BTL practice for the first time. I told the team of 25 that it’s normal for most of them to be confused too. And, STOP the habit of going turtle when confused. Instead, do what ALL masters do when, they too, are confused; get curious.
Masters are confused most of the time because they are pushing places normal folks don’t even see. Masters deal productively with the confusion that comes when you’re just this side of chaos. They practice being curious. They ask the best questions of themselves and others. They tune in like an animal being stalked and find comfort in the chaos. I reminded the team to practice a bit more of “Curious George.”
And, Houston woke up much to my surprise. He actually practiced “My way IS the highway” with little Miss Sunshine right before practice 58 came to a close. Houston, turns out, might be just the kinda problem we need a bit more of around this place. His choice. His choices have consequences.
So, my friend, what are you choosing when you’re confused? Going turtle or embracing Curious George…
BUILT TO LEAD 