Embrace the Suck
It’s ok to suck, and you’re likely going to suck, for a little while at least. Learning a new skill always comes with some degree of challenge and difficulty. Motorcycling is no different. Embrace the Suck.
I once heard someone say “if you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not learning” (quick note because it has to be mentioned, in no way do I mean “uncomfortable” as pain, or agony, rather it’s the mental pressure and maybe a little physical discomfort of learning, and never harm). When we are faced with some discomfort, we have to problem solve. “This sucks and I don’t want it to suck anymore” is the moment when a person either quits or comes up with a solution. In the case of learning a new skill, you will have to lean into the discomfort until you come out the other side, where you’ll likely find a new thing to suck at, practice, and master.
For those of you that enjoy the learning process, “the suck” is likely a more comfortable space for you to be in. For those of you that struggle to embrace the suck, pull back. The pull back can stem from many things, most of which are fear based. In my opinion, fear is deeply rooted in a lack of knowledge or a misunderstanding on the given subject. Think back on the monsters under your bed or in your closet. Once you came to know that there was no way that monsters could live in those places, they disappeared. Personally, I am fearful of whitewater rafting, and that is because I don’t know anything about it. If I gathered that knowledge, I would likely begin to fear less.
The more you can know and learn about how things work and their cause and affect, the more knowledge you have which can help reduce the fear that is wrapped up in your motorcycle. However, there’s a catch. Physical pain can really create mistrust. For example, you can come to understand how your motorcycle operates and the potential outcomes of certain actions, then it falls over and hurts you in the process. Even if it is nothing more than a bruise, you may create a new fear. A fear of doing that again. That is the new suck. Speaking from personal experience and many crashes and injuries, this kind of suck is one in which you need to tackle in your own way, at your own pace and pressure. For more on my personal experiences with crashes, injuries, and how I came back mentally and emotionally, please read “Back in the Saddle.”
Embracing the Suck will look and feel different to every person and will fluctuate in intensity. No one has the same mood or ability every single day. Check in with yourself and push harder on days you can handle it and less on the days you need a break. The way I see it, if someone wants something bad enough, they will naturally embrace the suck. For others, it requires more effort which is often coupled with more discomfort. We all know a person who seems to be good at everything they try. I wonder if they are good at new things because they are more comfortable being uncomfortable, or have less fear in general (especially of looking silly, which honestly holds many of us back). Kids are a great example of this. They try without being worried about sucking. As we age, especially those dreaded early teenage years, we become hyperaware that other people can see us and they will judge us (or at least we’ve convinced ourselves of this). However, can you recall a time when you were observing someone fumbling with something new, then witnessing them getting it. You likely felt joy for them, not judgement. You might have even felt a twinge of jealousy because you want to have that same skill and tenacity, yet you hold yourself back.
So, embrace the suck! Lean in, and fumble a little. CLEAR Moto is hear to be a safe place to learn. Our coaches are kind and patient. We don’t yell unless it’s to cheer. You deserve to have a safe place to learn and build your confidence, proficiency, and control. If you’re ready to lift your chin and puff out your chest, we’re here for you.
