Last week, I attended a four day core paddleboard coaching course in Leamington Spa. It probably won’t surprise you that I loved the experience.
The training felt human focused and empathetic. It also offered a fun way to help people learn a sport. Even better, this approach is incredibly effective.
What is the Ugly Zone?
One specific phrase really lit me up: the ugly zone. Essentially, the ugly zone is the playful space at the very edge of our ability. It is where we stay curious and explore our limits. Consequently, this is where the most growth happens.
My own ugly growth
I experienced this firsthand while learning a step back turn. To perform this, you stand at the very end of the paddleboard. This causes the nose to lift out of the water so you can spin the board quickly.
Although it feels unstable and scary, it is a fantastic way to turn.
I practiced this for two days while my coach gave me the freedom to experiment. On day one, I was caught on video. At that time, I looked clunky, unsteady, and wildly uncomfortable.
By the end of day two, my turns were smooth and fast. I reached that point because:
- I felt safe. Specifically, I was in an environment where it was okay to look clumsy.
- No over-correcting. Because no one tried to “fix” my technique constantly, my confidence stayed high. This also helped me avoid information overload.
- It was fun. I played games to improve, which meant I wanted to try again and again.
Why the Ugly Zone is harder for adults
It is often difficult to be a beginner. As adults, we aren’t used to looking incompetent compared to how kids feel. Unlike children, we often feel the need to be perfect immediately. However, embracing the mess is so rewarding.
Similarly, I feel this often in my business. Right now, I’m creating a PDF for my team building activities. Using Canva has been an uncomfortable process so far. I want it to look professional and read well for corporate clients.
Naturally, I’ve made mistakes and asked friends for help. I’ve felt vulnerable, frustrated, and full of imposter syndrome. Despite those feelings, I am finally close to a result I’m proud of.
Ultimately, the ugly zone is always worth it.