Every year, some of us undertake a night trek from Pen to Pali. It is an arduous trek of 42 km or so. The climb from Pen to Mahagaon, followed by a steep descent to Uddhar, makes the route challenging. Every time we vouch to ourselves that this is our last trek on this route. Yet, new people join in every year, and the hike happens.
Having completed this trek more than a dozen times, we are aware of the physical challenges. What we fear are the soreness, aches, and scuffs that follow the next day. But, the feeling of accomplishment fuels us to undertake the trek again every year. It is true for most of the things we fear in our life.
I was conducting an Outdoor Management Program for Yashraj Biotechnology Ltd. One of the tasks was to use a zip-line affixed between two mountains 800 feet apart. Each member had to cross suspended above the valley at an altitude of 1200 feet. Despite all the safeties and assurances, every member was hesitant to take the challenge. In this case, unlike the Pali trek, the challenge was psychological and not physical. However, after they had attempted and completed it once, all the members wanted to do it again.
Many of us have some fear. Some fear riding a bike or avoid taking swimming lessons. Public Speaking is one of the most common fears. In all these cases, the fear is really about the worst-case scenario. However, with the help of experts and by analyzing the risks, we can overcome fear. The feeling after the successful completion of such challenges is exhilarating.
The same applies to business challenges. Many times, we overestimate the impact of failures and underestimate gains. It prevents us from trying anything new.
Metrics:
Ask yourself - what is that one thing we are avoiding?
Check for people who have already successfully completed it. Speak with them and understand the challenges.
Assess the risks and pilot a smaller version of it.
Set yourself a timeline to undertake the task.
Most importantly, attempt it.
Subodh
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