The winter Olympics are an opportunity to see some of the most amazing dare-devil sports. I'm impressed with what it takes to be an olympic-caliber athlete to begin with. Then add the chance of serious injury or death whenever you practice, and I am awestruck! One of the sports that seems most awe-inspiring is ski jumping. These athletes hurtle through the air, gaining as much speed as possible on 2 thin skis, then become airborne, flying for several seconds until landing on those same 2 thin skis. While airborne, they are the picture of focus and discipline: body perfectly aligned over the skis and unmoving, eyes fixed on the upcoming landing spot.
I tried to imagine what it would be like to fly like that. To experience that consummate moment, when training and experience, and mind and heart, all align to create that rush of perfection. I thought about the years that went into that moment - an experience that truly lasted only a few seconds. And that's when it hit me. Living your passion is a lot like ski jumping! Stay with me just a moment while I explain myself:
First, passion (living your dreams) and ski jumping require a big leap of faith. Our passion might feel far off, or laughed at by those around us. Just like the ski jumper, we have to take it a day at a time, with a clear vision of why we're in the game. The ski jumper practiced and worked to take progressively bigger "leaps." You can do the same - taking small leaps which become progressively bigger. Now compared to ski jumping, doesn't your dream seem downright safe?!
Second, passion and ski jumping require knowing what you're shooting for. A ski jumper wouldn't take off if he didn't know where he intended to land. He must also know that everything possible has been done to help him land safely. We shouldn't accept any less when we're "jumping" for our dreams. Know what you want, know where you intend to land, and do everything you can to get there safely.
Third, ski jumping requires speed and momentum. Jumpers can't be successful if they don't go all out to gain speed. Remember the video of "the agony of defeat," when the ski jumper changed his mind midway down the ramp and had a spectacular fall? That's the way our passion is - we need to generate and sustain all the momentum we can, because that's what will propel us over the danger spots and the doubts.
Fourth, passion and ski jumping require being willing to take a fall, dust yourself off, and get back on the ramp. Have these amazing athletes "failed" along the way? More times than we can imagine! I'll bet these athletes can't begin to guess how many times they have fallen, or lost their nerve, or let self-doubt steal their focus and energy. But each time, the dreams and visions carry these athletes through the "failure" to a new level of success. How can you embrace the power of trying and failing, so that you can learn to "jump" even better next time?
And finally, ski jumping and passion require the right environment to make it a success. It's clear that the ski jumper is outfitted with everything he needs to do his job well and safely. He has a helmet, goggles, a mouth guard, and aerodynamic clothing. The athlete says, "my dream is worth doing absolutely everything I can to give myself the best chance possible." What are you willing do to give YOUR dream the best chance possible?
To recap, it requires a leap of faith, a target to shoot for, strong momentum, willingness to fail, and creating a supportive environment to pursue your dreams, or to be a world class ski jumper. You have what it takes to achieve your dreams, and to realize the consummate moment, when training and experience, and mind and heart, all align to create that rush of perfection. Are you really to take the leap?!
copyright 2006, Karen Van Cleve. All Rights Reserved
