The Conviction-Knowledge Gap

(+ a fun stair workout)

Recently, I came across this photo posted on Tim Urban’s (@waitbutwhy) Instagram account:

The specific image refers to the conviction-knowledge gap when we're young and excited about the possibilities of life compared to when we get older and realize just how much work it will take to make our dreams happen. But it also easily applies to the acquisition of any skill.

Whenever we start something new, we start out not knowing how much we don't know. 

Whether your goal is to learn a new sport, start playing the piano, or start a business, this early stage of learning usually starts out as fun and exciting. It's only when we start getting deep into the learning that we fall into the insecure canyon and realize just how long the road ahead of us is.

Since this stage is also the one in which you're most likely to quit, it's important not to get too daunted by the process and give up before allowing yourself the time to make progress. Getting feedback and encouragement along the way from mentors and peers can help keep you feeling motivated on the long road up the mountain to building knowledge and experience.

(If you're looking for ways to shorten your learning curve when starting something new, check out this recent article). 

What I'm reading (book) —

The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks

How do we build a life full of joy and meaning as we get older? David Brooks argues it comes down to four things that shift as we gain wisdom and experience: family, vocation, philosophy or faith, and community.

What I'm reading (article) — 

7 Pearls of Wisdom From a 103-Year-Old World Record Runner  by Stephanie Hoppe / Outside Magazine << this is amazing!!

This woman started running at age 100 — what's your excuse? ;)

“When you get old you should have a lot of passions. Passions keep you going. They make you want to live and want to do.” 

A quote that inspires me —

"You can, you should, and if you're brave enough to start, you will." — Stephen King

What I'm training — 

Stair workouts are some of my favorites. Find some stairs and give this fun high-intensity stair workout a try!

Three new workouts —

No Equipment Faster HIIT Workout (12-minute, equipment-free)

200 Rep Efficient Bar Workout (Time challenge, pull-up bar)

260 Rep Speedster Medicine Ball Workout (Time challenge, medicine ball)

You can get these and all future workouts right in the 12 Minute Athlete app when you subscribe as a Super Athlete.

Dream bigger!

- Krista