The Face-First Approach

I have a busy two year old at home. The other day I observed the way he climbs up on the couch… face first. It makes sense. The head is a heavy part of his body, so it provides a good anchor while he works on pulling up the rest of his body. It made me think about how I attack challenges and take risks and what I can learn from his approach. Here’s what stuck out.

1. The quickest way to get where you want may seem awkward, but it does the job.

How often do we over-prepare, getting stuck at 90% readiness thinking that we have to get to 100% before taking a risk or putting something out there, whether it’s a project, career choice or simply an idea for a solution to a challenge in a team meeting. There are certain things we’ll never be fully ready for, so let’s not get stuck in the present simply because the plan for the future isn’t perfect.

2. Vulnerability is the key to breakthroughs.

I’d say the face is a pretty vulnerable part of the body right? Does it keep my son from risking a smashed nose in order to get where he wants to be? Nope!

That voice in our head that says, “Don’t do that, everyone will laugh at you.” may guard us from embarrassment, but it also keeps us from stepping out of our comfort zone and into personal growth. What if you put that message aside? What would it look like to dive into life with the most vulnerable part of you leading the way?

3. Follow through.

Yes, making the leap is exciting, but what follows is equally as important, otherwise you’re just stuck with your face in a couch.

4. You can do it!

A toddler does not question whether or not they can do something, if they really want it. They have a wealth of courage and simply go for it. This is not to say that we should all throw caution to the wind and quit our jobs to go write blogs from a tropical island. I’m simply suggesting that you give yourself the benefit of the doubt every now and then.

It is my firm belief that we are much stronger, wiser and more creative and capable than we give ourselves credit for. Remember, you were once that kid.