If you fall, fall forward!

I just came back from inline skating a few minutes ago. While I was warming up, I managed to catch my skate on a seed pod, which stopped the skate cold. I went pitching forward off center onto the grass, ran a couple feet up a small slope and back down to the pavement, and continued on my way, nice as you please.

I was completely out of control, and definitely falling, but everything turned out OK. Why? Because rather than trying to control my fall and catch my balance, I automatically followed my momentum forward and went where it was taking me. I fell forward and let me feet scramble to stay under the weight (OK, it helps that I used to play inline hockey and feel really comfortable on skates).

How, you may be wondering, is that relevant to M.A.P. Making? Because as you pursue your dreams, there will probably be times when you stumble, or hit the occasional unexpected bump. In short, it's likely that there will be times when you fall.

When you do, you can either resist it, fighting rigidly to stay upright, or you can fall forward.

A great example of the benefits of falling forward is how we react to failure. If you try something and it doesn't work, you have two choices. First, you can rigidly try to stay upright, insisting that you SHOULD succeed, and you SHOULDN'T fail, all the while beating yourself up for the fact that you're falling.

Or second, you can fall forward. "What happened here? What did I just learn? How can that learning feed my success? If I look back ten years from now, how did this just move me towards where I want to go?"

I've done both, and let me tell you, I far prefer the latter. Falling forward helps you maintain momentum towards your dreams. Sometimes falling is just a natural part of the heading down the path, while other times it means you need to adjust your focus. Regardless, if you fall forward, you'll keep moving ahead.

Rigidly insisting on staying upright and in control, on the other hand, will leave you with nothing but bruises.

How about you? How do you fall forward?

 

--

Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst ^TM

Comments

[Mike King]

Nice article! Its so true. How do I fall? Forward of course. Now I ride a mountain unicycle and so falling on it, its important to fall forwards or else you can catch your feet in the pedals and crash down on your back. Ouch! Falling forward you see where you are falling so can often recover or simple run a bit faster to catch up.

Life's the same. Fall in the direction that you are going and you have a better chance to make it through without getting hurt or stumbled up.

[Curt Rosengren]

A mountain unicycle! That's a new one on me. Love it!

Being able to see where you're going is heaps better than falling flat on your back. Great addition to the concept, Mike. Thanks.