I was going to write something today about being rubbish at netball, but then I only went and scored a bloody hat trick didn’t I?? And I was only Goal Shoot for ten minutes.
I think it was a fluke though, and the moral of the story still stands.
At the beginning of this year I started playing netball. I was always hopeless at sports at school, so don’t know why I imagined I’d be any better 18 years and two children later. For some reason though, I thought the fact that I am now a grown up woman, running her own business and able to hold a conversation without blushing would make a difference.
It doesn’t.
I am still rubbish. (Apart from the hat trick. Did I mention that?)
I have decided though that being rubbish is OK.
That may seem like an obvious statement to make, but personally, I find it really hard to do, let alone enjoy, things I think I am ‘bad’ at. I tend to believe that if I’m no good at something, there’s either no point in doing it, or that the people I am doing it with won’t like me.
I know it’s silly and possibly a little pathetic – I certainly don’t dislike people just because they aren’t the best at things. If anything, I like them more because I’m not intimidated by them, or worried about showing myself up. You’d think too that I’d have learnt after years of getting all the answers right at school, but being virtually friendless, that no one likes a smartarse.
In my mind, not being good at something means people won’t respect me, which is why playing netball is so good for me. Imagine the episode of Friends where they are playing football for the Geller Cup, and everyone keeps telling Rachel to ‘go long’. Quite often I feel like that. ‘Here!’ I shout, and my team-mate will look at me, standing in a massive space, wince a bit, and instead throw the ball to the player half way down the court, who is being marked by three people.
This is OK.
*mild panic attack*
No really, it is. Not being the best isn’t the end of the world. Not knowing the answer to something doesn’t make you an idiot. Missing the goal won’t make people hate you.
It’s a lesson I need to learn, even if it’s probably about 25 years too late – on court or off, it’s OK to sometimes drop the ball.
I was really really bad at netball. I was scared of the ball. I know, I know, it won’t hurt (much) when you don’t catch it right and it hits your face.
I am not convinced I’d be any better now. Learning to relax about not being good at something is a lesson I need to work on!
Great post
:-)
Oh this is SUCH an important lesson and one I find virtually impossible to take on board! You should definitely pitch this Jo, I guarantee every woman in the world (and probably most men, if they’d drop their macho pride for ea moment) would thoroughly identify with how you feel. I HATE doing anything I’m bad at, and tend to react by getting angry and tearful if forced into such a situation. I’m not sure how to get over it though…
I really like this about you – that you’re sticking with it, determined to enjoy yourself, despite the fact that you think you’re no good. I think that’s pretty cool actually.
Also, I like the dots.
Thank you! That is the attitude I’m striving for.
Glad you like the dots too. I was worried they might be a bit too Cath Kidston and not really in keeping with my whole slummy ethos?
I bet you’re not as bad as the lady back right with the aforementioned hair. She looks like she may just be along for the tea.
I’d definitely be in it for the tea if we had it!
I am very pleased to announce though that we had a parent vs teacher match for Sports Relief on Friday and we thrashed the teachers 10-2. And guess what? I scored four goals!! My kids, who were watching, were surprised to say the least.
All ladies look so beautiful. I know and understand that it’s really difficult to take the decision to play but I really appreciate your gesture. Not me but also to other women you inspiring a lot. Your story are inspiring to everyone. But in the end I must say that I love the hair style so much.