Is The Worst-Case Scenario Actually That Bad?
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Last week, I booked a trip to Paris to coincide with the Olympics. I wrote about that here. This week, I want to tell you what’s happened since I bet on myself:
Bought one competition ticket
Gifted tickets on the table for two other events
A friend let me know she may be in Paris for work (unrelated to the Olympics) the same time that I’ll be there, AKA, one less week of hotels to pay for
Three brand invites to activations on the ground
Two PAYING work opps, pending (!!)
I don’t like to geek out on opportunities before they’re signed, sealed, and delivered. I learned a long time ago that as fun as it is to get excited about potential, that makes it more disheartening if something falls through. (Trust me, they fall through.) With that said, I know that whatever is for me won’t pass me by. In this “bet on myself” era, I’ve decided to forgo anything that gives off square peg, round hole vibes.
Still, I’ve felt such an immense amount of gratitude this week for all that is. THIS (the opportunities I mentioned) — THIS is what happens when you’re willing to get a little uncomfortable. Frankly, it inspires me to continue to make big asks and try new things. If you’re feeling intimidated and/or anxious about making a new ask, here’s one tool I use. It’s called “safety net coaching,” which requires you to think about this question:
What’s the worst that could happen?
The thing people fear most is the unknown. So, look at the worst-case scenario by asking just that. Go through each of the items that come up, and challenge the reality of the fear.
If it is not a real fear, the recognition of that fact causes the energy around it to diminish.
If it is a real fear, then ask yourself: What’s the backup plan?
This allows you to take a leap of faith and pack up your parachute for emergencies. And as a result? You’ll have more energy to engage in the present, since there’s less worry about the future.
… returning home just a couple days ago from the Olympic Track & Field Trials, I’ve officially got the bug. I’m done playing small. With T-minus 28 days until Opening Ceremonies, it’s go time.
Tell me: What’s one thing that you feel scared to pursue? What’s the worst that could happen, and is it really all that bad?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: On a Mission with Tyler Swartz and Endorphins Running on Set the Pace podcast
Two of my people! Downloaded this for my run today, a conversation between Peloton’s Becs Gentry and Tyler Swartz, the founder of Endorphins.
Gear I’m Loving: Nike Free Metcon 6
Ordered these last week, got them on Monday, and I’ve already worn them three times. My go-to option for all strength training, the newest iteration of the Metcon has more foam in the heel — which you can really feel. As someone who has sporadic plantar fasciitis flares, I really appreciate that. Plus: I dig the Flywire across the midfoot, which makes me feel secure and in-place whether I’m doing box jumps or back squats.
What I’m Reading: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
A fiction book!? WHO IS SHE? Honestly, just started this at the pool the other day, and really enjoying the pivot from my normal self-help/personal betterment picks.
Prompt I’m Loving: Who is the person that’s made you feel the most loved this week?
Quote I’m Loving: “Life is constantly changing, so you need to periodically check in to see if your old habits and beliefs are still serving you.” — James Clear
Thanks to Future — a workout experience that pairs you one-on-one with your own fitness coach — for supporting Hurdle.
I receive messaged from hurdlers who are feeling lost with their workout routine every single day. I don’t want you to feel lost, but if you are — I am happy that I have this offer to give you. Enter Future, a workout app that pairs you with a coach who will map out a plan based on your goals, with workouts delivered to your phone each week.
Future, your Apple Watch (don’t worry, then loan you one for free if you don’t have!), and the app all pair seamlessly so you and your coach can track your progress, celebrate achievements, and keep you accountable every day. I have absolutely loved working with my coach Brandon, and I feel comfortable knowing he’s got my best interest in mind — planning workouts specifically for me (and my body/injury history). He’s so good at following up with me post-sweat, asking how the different movements felt, and communicating to help me get to where I want to be.
Get started right now with 50% off your first month with the special Hurdle offer. Head on over to TryFuture.com/Hurdle to get the deal today!
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧: 306. Defining Success: Olympian Rachel Smith On Using Running To Cope & A Comeback Years In the Making
This week, I sat down with Olympian and HOKA-sponsored professional runner Rachel Smith, who toed the line at the trials in the 5K final on Monday. We talk about Rachel’s resiliency throughout her career as she’s navigated loss and injury, and how she turned to running in those challenging times. Rachel shares her journey to motherhood, her comeback to sport, and how the definition of success changed after having her little girl.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
For the longest time, I’ve wanted to put movement practices out into the world, build community and connection, and create freedom in my life. It’s also been my biggest fear. But I started doing it on Substack this week and I’m so excited for what may unfold in the future.
I'm currently in the process of applying for graduate school, and plan to work full time while attending school and I am scared sh**tless. I know it will be probably the most difficult 2-3 years of my life working on a research based thesis, taking a full course load and working 40+ hours a week. Most of my fears lie around the cost of it all, which I still don't have solid numbers on. But I know that my ability to land my dream job relies on me getting this degree within 3 or so years. And the worst case scenario is that it takes longer than I anticipate and I miss my opportunity to get my boss' job when he retires around that time. But I have a lot of support from my colleagues and I'm working on building my confidence and getting organized. So I just keep telling myself that I am intelligent, I am capable, and I can do hard things.