I learned the phrase "practice makes permanent" at a conference this summer. I really like it and think it's so true, however, I've realized that I will not practice things I suck at. For example, on the wii fit I am HORRIBLE at the balance games. My husband with the weak hip can still surpass my balance abilities. I have found that I avoid doing the balance games because I know I will fail.
Now isn't it ironic that the one area I really need to practice on I avoid like the plague? I find myself doing the games I have already mastered over and over because I like it when my trainer claps for me at the end and says "Way to go" "you're pretty strong". I mean who wouldn't want that self affirmation from an animated trainer? I cry a little inside everytime I fail a balance game and my wii character sulks her head in shame while "YOU LOSE" is boldly displayed across the screen. Ouch! I'm surprised that Nintendo has not been sued for causing deep emotional damage. Why so harsh?
I guess I blame my family. Now don't get me wrong, I had a fabulous childhood- it was just TOO good I suppose. I was the youngest child and grew accustomed to my family gathering around and clapping for me all the time saying "yeah Lori". It's just what we did. I even clapped for myself. Who am I kidding- I still do.
So when a gaming system tells me I'm a LOSER, I don't quite know how to deal with that emotionally. It doesn't fit. So I avoid practicing things I'm not good at... I bet it's more than just balance games on the wii... Let's see..
Softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, (are you sensing a sports theme?), reading, Super Mario Bros., sewing, swimming, I'm sure there's more!
How am I ever supposed to get better at something I avoid because I know I suck at it? I wonder if that's how my students feel about math? Why should I do my homework if I know I'll just fail... Hmm, deep.
I guess the phrase "practice makes permanent" may be too true for me. I'm afraid if I practice those things I constantly lose at I will be "permanently" bad! Does anyone else do the same thing or am I just crazy? I know there are those people out there that can't stand to lose (like my husband) and will work really hard until they master something. I guess I am not one of those people! Nothing like a good ole' blog to reveal yet another character flaw to the world!
2 comments:
I once went to a workshop, and the presenter asked us to make a list of all the things that we are horrible at that we do every day. Most everyone had nothing written down. The point was that, as adults, we have enough power over our own lives that we completely avoid those things that make us feel like failures. She then pointed out that students who are bad at math and reading have no way to avoid doing those things when they show up to school, and then we wonder why they don't want to be there. Feeling successful at something is a wonderful motivator. Stinking at something just stinks.
I read your blog after you first posted it and thought, 'Interesting. I wonder if I'm that way.' Then today when I was talking to a friend I realized that I am EXACTLY the same! If I'm not good at it then I run to whatever I am good at and do that instead. It's been especially tricky with my attempts to lead a healthier lifestyle (eating better, exercising, etc) and I definitely don't like the uncomfortable feeling I get when I don't succeed at it. So no, you're not alone. We have each other :) And I still clap for myself too, ask anyone who knows me well!
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