A Lazy Skeptic
When did I become skeptical?
I discovered in my teens that I could make people laugh with clever, skeptical comments.
This attention felt good.
I recall one occasion in Mr. P's English class.
After much encouragement from Mr P, the class decided to create a literary magazine during the year. It was called "Scribbles and Stuff." We would write longer articles and publish them all at the end of the year.
He assured us that this was going to be fun.
When spring came, we realised this was not fun and a lot of work. A growing number of us began discussing our mutiny from the project.
I was elected (volunteered) to break the news to Mr P with my newly discovered clever, sceptical skills. He was very calm and asked if I spoke for the class. Everyone nodded. We agreed to cancel the project.
When we were leaving this class that day, he pulled me aside:
"I know you felt like the hero in the class today speaking up. I think you all missed an opportunity, though. Some hard things are worth doing. Use your voice to inspire, not to hold others back."
I did not leave feeling like the hero my teenage brain desperately craved, but instead, like someone who let himself and the class down. Empty
I work with many people who are very skeptical and I often share this story with them.
Skepticism is the easy way out.
It takes little courage.
It is easy to say:
This will never work.
It's not our problem; it's theirs.
We already tried this.
You look weird, and your ideas smell like a dog's breath.
Don't do this.
A healthy level of skepticism prevents disasters and helps refine ideas.
Do not be blindly optimistic. And don't ignore discomfort.
Reframe skepticism:
When they say: "We can't because..."
You ask: "How can this be possible?"
When they say: "It's too hard..."
You say: "What is the smallest thing we can do to get started?"
When they say: "Why do we have to change?"
You say: "What will happen if we stay the same?"
A (not so) Simple Success Formula:
Acknowledge the challenge.
Bring light to fears, worries, and potential obstacles (this involves talking).
Co-create different options.
Identify initial actions.
Build momentum through action (our brains love this part).
Focus on Learning - not success or failure.
Repeat
Stop waiting for perfect conditions.
Start creating them.…and remember Mr. P's advice:
"Use your voice to inspire and move forward, not to stop."