I don’t purport to be some infinitely wise guru of anything. In fact, I’ve only recently started a journey of growth within my life, a sort of second chapter of life mission. However, as I begin this journey of growth I have spent countless hours in deep reflection, written a book examining the importance of training for positive growth within a company, and most importantly began one of what I expect to be several companies designed at helping others grow as well.
Over this past weekend, an uncommonly long weekend for me, some of my reflection has brought me to a story about fear and growth from my own experience.
Many years ago I found myself, as Lead Foreman for my company, running between a couple of different jobs in hopes of helping where I could. On one such job we had an apprentice who had earned a reputation for being a challenge to manage – not because he was difficult, but because there were many areas in which he was struggling to grow as an apprentice.
I’m sure many who read this know the type. Typically these guys don’t last long within the trade, and I think most journeymen find themselves not wanting to waste their time with them.
Now, please keep in mind that I wasn’t set out to rescue anyone. I really had no investment in this gentleman, and to be honest his reputation really left me with a similar feeling to the one I just mentioned: probably a waste of time to “save” him.
However, one such area that was crippling to this poor guy was a fear of heights. Apparently while in school he fell off a ladder (I don’t remember the details) and had left him with a crippling fear of heights. He could barely lift both feet off the ground to get on a ladder. Worst part, the job this crew was doing was working entirely off ladders.
On one occasion that I had stopped by the job it was the foreman’s birthday, and he being a personal friend of mine, I wanted to bring him out to lunch. This young gentleman asked if he could tag along, and with no objections by my buddy, he did.
While waiting for our food, the subject of his fear of heights came up and a conversation I had had before about my issues with vertigo found its way into my thoughts. The conversation had basically been to ask how I dealt with the overwhelming dizziness that comes with vertigo while on a ladder, especially when a good distance from the ground…
So, sitting next to this gentleman I relayed the conversation to him and my ultimate answer: your eyes should always be on the work you’re doing. Vertigo is similar to sea sickness, after all: if you are looking to the horizon you’re bound to get sick, but if you keep your eyes close at hand it’s far less likely to affect you. And so, instead of thinking about a sudden spinning of the world while I’m high off the ground, I focus all my attention on what’s right in front of me. So I suggested to him that he try to do the same.
This story apparently had a great effect on him as when he returned to work he found himself 25 feet in the air on an extension ladder working as hard as any other person on the job site.
In the end he didn’t stick with the trade, but that’s not really the point of this story. What happened that day was far more profound than simply getting an apprentice to do the job. I made a massive impact on him. And it was far from my intention to do so.
But the reality is, we all have moments in our lives where we’re faced with fear and doubt and question how we can possibly keep moving forward on this path. And in many cases people will simply look for the more comfortable path with excuses like “that’s just simply not something I’m equipped to do.” But with the courage to at least ask for help – whether that be an insight or genuine advice – we can find the strength and courage to overcome those fears or doubts.
And while this didn’t lead to his success within our trade, I trust that this had a lasting impact on all other areas of his life. Additionally, this proved to me that it doesn’t matter where you are professionally or with your own level of wisdom, it’s important to have someone who’s willing to lend that shoulder and experience to help you overcome whatever challenges you may be facing.
The Mission Update: This story is a core pillar of what I’m building with The Iron Academy. We don’t just teach circuitry; we teach the mental architecture required to lead men through the “vertigo” of this industry.
I am still looking for the Founding Dozen.
12 spots for 12 leaders who want to be part of this blueprint. Your name in the Acknowledgements. The first edition Hardcover. And the systems to help your team keep their eyes on the work.
The clock is ticking on the “Export to PDF” button.
Claim your spot here: evec-community.org