Episode 32 – Are you up for taking the 4X Suckiness Challenge? [PODCAST]

Today’s solo show with David is one of those “I wonder what would happen if…” sort of episodes. David’s been thinking… about things we do that are really hard, things that we really suck at. He’s been thinking about how those things make you feel and how those things impact the way you think about yourself. And he’d like to turn that whole experience on its head. In this show, David T.S. Wood is going to challenge you to actually “take on” something you suck at… for a very specific reason. Can you guess what it is?

What if you intentionally pursued something you suck at?

Most people avoid things they are terrible at like the plague. It’s not usually very much fun to do something that is frustrating for you. But David’s idea is that by taking on those kinds of skills or tasks intentionally, we can refine both our skill at doing that dreaded thing, and our confidence that we actually CAN learn things that are naturally difficult for us. What could that sort of accomplishment do for your sense of competence? How might it impact the way you look at the next difficult challenge? Hear more of David’s thoughts on doing what you suck at, on this episode of Crank It Up.

Be careful as you grow older… that you don’t become even more inflexible.

It seems to be part of human nature to become more rigid the older you get. You don’t want to try new things because you like the comfort of the “same old, same old.” But what is that doing for you? Absolutely nothing. Even though you’re aging, you still need the challenge that comes from trying new things, stepping into change, and not just accepting it, but welcoming it. In today’s podcast David T.S. Wood has a challenge for you… it’s the “Once I quarter suckiness challenge.” Find out more on this episode.

Here’s the key to getting better at things you suck at: Ferocity.

When you recognize that you really stink at something, your natural tendency will be to give up, quit trying, and leave that task or skill to someone else. Sometimes that’s OK. We’re not all called to do everything out there. But if you want to grow some “mastery muscle” you might consider sticking with it, and not just that, but actually going after the difficult new skill with ferocity. David’s got a great example to share in this episode of the podcast, it was a time when he took on a new task with unwavering aggression – and he found that the learning and skill development actually came faster as a result. See what you can pick up from this episode.

Are you up for taking the 4X Suckiness Challenge?

Here’s David’s challenge to you… for no other reason than the sake of personal growth and the joy of seeing yourself accomplish something you’ve always wanted to do, but never felt you were any good at. Once a quarter (4X a  year… get it?) take on something you want to learn but have typically sucked at. You might want to learn to sing… so take voice lessons for a quarter. Maybe it’s losing weight or getting in shape. Whatever it is, take it on with ferocity; a determined mindset that you are going to give it everything you have for that quarter. Do so with joy about the journey and a positive attitude about the process. You’ll be amazed at what you accomplish – and how you feel about it. Listen to this episode for all the details.

Outline of this great episode

[0:46] David’s welcome to this solo episode!

[1:19] A new personal trainer and David’s “get in shape” efforts.

[4:07] Sucking at stuff… the topic of our conversation today.

[5:51] What if we did more things we sucked at?

[6:12] David’s theory about sucking at stuff…

[7:37] The resistance to taking up things that are difficult – it gets worse as you get older.

[11:01] A story from David’s experience as a painter.

[12:12] Going through your sucky stage with ferocity: the key to getting better.

[13:39] The challenge: Once a quarter,