Challenges are the Catalyst

I do not perceive myself as a risk-taker because I am terrified of failure. To avoid disappointment it just makes sense to not take risks. This being said, I have quite a lot of proof of myself taking on challenges.

Most recently, last week to be precise, I was presented with the opportunity to DJ at a school event. The opening came up two days before the event thus there was not much time for in-depth preparations. At first, I was petrified at the idea of being behind the decks at a club in front of people I only remotely know. I soon realised that my fear was in vain since it was not the technical aspect I was scared of but indeed the failure of it. It is why I decided to sign myself up regardless of fear.

It was the right choice. After accepting the gig I was all over the place for a few hours. I had started doubting myself. I needed to prove to myself that I was capable of acting on the technical aspect. To do that I went down to our techno music association room that same evening and mixed alone for 3 hours straight. At first, I struggled and almost fell into a vicious cycle of messing up and losing confidence.

I started venting to my best friend about how I am scared about messing up. He laughed at me since he himself had already been through a similar situation recently. After a few encouraging messages, he managed to calm me down and direct me in a way to get me back on track. This meant I could get back to actually practising and away from pointless stress.

I still had some anxiety about the whole thing but from that point on I started classifying it as good anxiety, or to put it better, excitement. From that point on I felt confident. All I needed was a slight shift of perspective.

Taking on a challenge one time does not mean that I am now a fearless adventurer. Through that, I am simply creating proof that I can be that person. Which in turn will reinforce my confidence. It is a virtuous cycle!

I am the first to back out of an activity that I am not proficient in. This post is a way to remind myself that challenges are important. Beyond the comfort zone is where life happens. It is where dreams and reality intertwine.

This Week's Suggestions:

📺 The Stickiest Non-Sticky Material:

Veritasium's ability to break down complex concepts into easily feasible videos is incredible. This time around they discuss the creation of "sticky non-sticky" material. The inspiration for this material comes from geckos. In my opinion, it is fascinating how much we still have to learn from mother nature.

🎶 "Ain't No Stoppin'" by Bens Sims:

This Saturday I had a board meeting with the techno association. It was a lot of fun. Post-meeting the evening turned into an apéromix – there were some DJ decks where anyone who wanted could mix otherwise it was just a normal pre-party with snacks and drinks. Anyway, this song was shown to me during that apéromix. The energy of ten people bouncing to it in a bedroom was what sold it to me.

That's all for me today! Till next week!