Embracing Mistakes: Life Lessons from a Pickleball Blunder

We All Need a Reality Check: Lessons from My Recent Pickleball Blunder

Let me tell you something. Life is a game, and sometimes, you just hit the ball into the next court. I recently took up pickleball, and while I thought I was being all suave on the court, it turns out my abilities were more akin to a toddler learning to walk. My latest mishap? A serve that was—as a friend kindly pointed out—completely illegal. Oh, the embarrassment.

You see, I had inadvertently carried over a tennis habit without even realising it. My muscle memory was stubbornly holding onto that past, while the rules of pickleball were saying, “Not today, mate!” But her gentle nudge got me thinking. This was more than just a light-hearted blunder; it was a reminder of how crucial feedback is in our lives.

Why We Need Support, Not Scrutiny

Look, we’ve all been there. You’re trying your best, all fired up, and then someone shines a light on a mistake you didn’t even know you were making. It can feel like a slap in the face, but what if we flipped the script? What if we saw it as an opportunity to learn instead of a reason to feel down?

At City Skills, I see this dynamic play out every day. People flourish best when they feel supported rather than scrutinised. When feedback is delivered with kindness, it creates an environment where learning can thrive. It’s like being on the court; you need a solid doubles partner, not someone who just yells “You messed up!” from the sidelines.

Embracing Mistakes: A Part of the Journey

I’ll admit, my initial reaction was defensive. I wanted to say, “But I’ve been playing tennis for years!” But the truth is, making mistakes is an essential part of the journey. It doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re learning, evolving, and growing.

In fact, the most successful people embrace their blunders. They recognise that every misstep is just another stepping stone to mastering a skill. Just think about it—how many times have you excelled at something without stumbling along the way? Hardly ever, right?

Unlearning Habits: The Real Challenge

Now, here’s where things get tricky. Unlearning outdated habits can be far tougher than picking up new skills. My tennis serve felt so natural, yet adapting to the correct pickleball service technique felt completely alien.

This is a common challenge many of us face in our professional lives. Habits are ingrained processes we rely on, sometimes without realising they no longer serve us. The art of unlearning often requires patience and a willing openness to feedback. It can be uncomfortable, but embracing this discomfort is where the magic happens.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Talk Feedback