From Faceplants to Triumphs: Celebrating Women's History Month
Despite the initial shock of a faceplant into two feet of snow, I couldn’t contain my laughter. My companions, Ed and Don, breathed a sigh of relief when they saw me chuckling at myself.
I consider myself an intermediate skier and often find myself exploring runs that push my limits, sometimes to comical extremes. This particular slope boasted daunting moguls that proved beyond my current skill level. After a few failed attempts, Ed and I decided to ditch our skis and navigate the snow on foot—which caused a mix of annoyance and acceptance on my part.
As I trudged through the thick powder, a tinge of frustration lingered. Couldn’t I avoid this predicament?
As we stumbled face-first into the snow, the absurdity of it all washed over me, and laughter replaced annoyance. In that moment of humility, Ed's suggestion of a safer route and his offer to carry my skis resonated deeply.
By relinquishing the need to berate myself for not measuring up, I gained clarity and moved forward with newfound ease.
My ski buddies later remarked on my ability to find humor in the mishap, a testament to the power of embracing our human moments.
This experience poignantly reminded me of the importance of humility and self-compassion. I've since adopted the term "face-plant moment" to celebrate mistakes and unexpected outcomes, finding joy even in the most challenging circumstances. This helps me enjoy the challenging moments more.
As one of my ski instructors said, if you are never falling down, you are playing it too safe.
When you want to achieve greatness, the risks become greater. Reflecting on my journey, I'm reminded of Coco Gauff's candid admission of struggling to balance high expectations with enjoying the process. Her realization that even amidst fierce competition, there can be moments of pure joy resonates deeply with me. The more aware we are of where we find joy, even in the small moments, the more relaxed and better we will perform.
In my coaching work, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of positivity in navigating challenges. Take Pryia*, an introvert thrust into a male-dominated corporate environment. Recently, faced with a deadlock among executives on a critical issue, Pryia courageously stepped forward with a compromise solution. Her proposal resonated deeply with her peers, earning her admiration and applause. When I asked about her source of courage, Pryia humbly cited the importance of efficiency and finding practical solutions that benefit the entire team.
Pryia's unwavering focus on collective success rather than personal recognition sets her apart. Her true superpowers are her humility and genuine concern for the team's welfare. Her ability to prioritize results over individual accolades is truly remarkable in a world driven by ego and competition.
As we celebrate Women's History Month, I'm reminded of the countless trailblazers who've paved the way for individuals like Pryia and me. Embracing both the triumphs and the face-plants along the way, we can chart a course toward greater goals. I challenge each of you to find joy amidst adversity, to take small steps that push your boundaries, and to honor those who've shaped our collective journey.
Let's inspire and uplift one another as we strive for greatness.
*name changed for anonymity