I want to tell you a wee story. Every Saturday afternoon for years, I’d take my son ice skating. It became a cherished tradition, filled with laughter, spills, and the occasional victory lap. During those times, I noticed something that serves as a great metaphor for life, something that I now use in all of my talks.
There are two types of people on the ice rink:
The bold skaters
The first group consists of those who step onto the ice, maybe a bit cautiously at first, holding onto the side. But eventually, they build their confidence and let go. They skate freely, twirling and gliding with glee. Sure, they get knocked down—they might even fall hard. But they always get back up again, each time with a smile, ready to try once more. These skaters embody resilience and bravery.
The clingers
The second group, however, clings to the side for dear life. They never let go, too afraid of falling to even risk trying. These individuals prefer the safety of the sidelines, watching others enjoy the ice, but never truly experiencing the thrill themselves. Their fear of failure keeps them from discovering their potential.
As a motivational speaker, I often reference Chumbawamba’s song “Tubthumping” to explain that if you don’t step out of your comfort zone, you’ll never experience the thrill of the glide. The lyrics “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down,” serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience.
Embracing the fall
In life, just like on the ice, we all face moments of uncertainty and fear. The fear of falling, of failing, can be paralysing. But it’s crucial to remember that failure is not the end—it’s a part of the journey. Every fall is a lesson, every stumble an opportunity to grow stronger and more determined.
Imagine if those bold skaters never let go of the side. They’d miss out on the exhilaration of gliding effortlessly across the ice, the wind in their hair, the sense of freedom. Similarly, in life, if we don’t take risks, we miss out on the opportunities that lead to growth, success, and fulfilment.
The thrill of the glide
The thrill of the glide isn’t just about the physical act of skating; it’s about embracing challenges, taking risks, and learning from our experiences. It’s about getting up every time we’re knocked down and facing life’s hurdles with a resilient spirit.
Next time you find yourself clinging to the side, remember that the real magic happens when you let go. Step out of your comfort zone, take that risk, and embrace the possibility of falling. Because it’s in those moments of vulnerability that we find our true strength.
A call to action
So, as a motivational speaker, I encourage you to take a page out of the bold skaters’ book. Let go of your fears, embrace the falls, and keep getting back up. Whether it’s starting a new venture, pursuing a passion, or simply trying something new, don’t let fear hold you back.
Remember the words of Chumbawamba: “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down.” Let this be your anthem, your reminder that resilience and courage are the keys to experiencing life to its fullest.
Take that step, embrace the glide, and discover the thrill of living boldly. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you let go of the side and skate freely. This is a fundamental teaching I share in my journey as a motivational speaker, and I hope it inspires you to face your fears and live a life full of purpose and passion.
