During a trip to Hawaii, I came across a rock that jutted out into the ocean, a spot known for cliff jumping. As I watched people—mostly kids—take the plunge into the crystal-clear waters below, I felt a mix of excitement and fear. I decided to give it a try.
The first jump was terrifying. As I stood on the edge, the height seemed to grow, and the water below felt much farther than it appeared. My heart raced, and I hesitated, but the voices of kids cheering me on gave me the push I needed. I took a deep breath and jumped. The adrenaline rush as I hit the water was exhilarating.
But here's the thing—after that first jump, I didn't feel like I had conquered my fear. So, I went back up and jumped again. And again. And again. I jumped five times in total, and each time, the fear was still there. Yet, so were the kids, still cheering me on with the same enthusiasm as they had the first time.
This experience reminded me of the importance of encouragement, especially in our professional lives. Just like those kids on the beach, we need to continually support and encourage our team members, even when they’re doing something they've done before. Repetition doesn’t always mean comfort or mastery, and every attempt, every task, might still carry its own set of challenges.
In our work, it’s easy to assume that once someone has done something a few times, they no longer need the same level of support or encouragement. But that’s not always the case. We all face tasks that, no matter how often we do them, still make us a little nervous or require that extra push to get through.
So, let’s remember to be like those kids on the beach, offering words of encouragement, no matter how many times someone jumps. It’s through this consistent support that we help each other grow, build confidence, and eventually, master the challenges we face every day.
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