S6 Ep 1: Change

Fear of Failure

Eli Strait and Mike Shade explore the fear of failure and its impact on personal growth. Eli shares his apprehension about practicing in front of others at his club's simulator bay, fearing judgment and embarrassment. Mike reflects on the fear of being perceived as "trying too hard," which can prevent individuals from fully committing to their goals. This fear often stems from a desire to protect one's ego from the potential pain of failure.

It's not someone else looking at you, is it really just protecting our egos from ourselves?

--- Mike Shade

They both acknowledge that tying self-worth to achievement can hinder progress, as it creates a barrier to putting in maximum effort 1 2.

   

Redefining Failure

The hosts discuss how their understanding of failure has evolved over time, influenced by mentors and personal experiences. Mike recounts their journey from aspiring golfers to realizing that growth is more important than outcomes. A pivotal moment came when their mental coach introduced them to a video of Kobe Bryant, which emphasized learning from failures rather than fearing them.

If you fail on Monday, the only way it's a failure on Monday is if you decide to not progress from that.

--- Eli Strait

This shift in perspective allowed them to redefine their goals and approach the podcast with a focus on long-term growth rather than immediate success 3 4.

   

Confronting Bullies

Mike shares personal stories of confronting bullies and the emotional aftermath of these encounters. He recalls standing up to a verbal bully who targeted his younger brother, an experience that left a lasting impact on him. Despite the bully's harsh words, Mike found strength in his ability to confront the situation and protect his sibling.

You actually try. That's all you do is try to be a basketball player, and you're not.

--- Mike Shade

These experiences highlight the challenges of dealing with rejection and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity 5 6.

   

Fear and Dreams

The exploration of fears related to pursuing dreams reveals deep insights into self-worth and personal aspirations. Mike reflects on a poignant moment from his past, inspired by a Kobe Bryant quote about the fear of failing at one's dreams. This fear often prevents individuals from fully committing to their aspirations, as they worry about the impact of failure on their self-esteem.

The greatest fear you face is yourself. Because we all have dreams, and it's very scary sometimes to accept the dream that you have.

--- Eli Strait

By confronting these fears, Mike and Eli emphasize the importance of pursuing dreams for personal fulfillment rather than external validation 7.