The Power of Doing Things Badly

I often get weird looks when I say that. A lot of people are hung up on the need to be perfect, or to at least not do something to humiliate themselves. I feel that this is hogwash.

Many years ago, when I was just getting into my “jocko, weight loss” days, a coworker asked my advice about cross training. That in itself is hilarious because ten years earlier, I smoked a pack a day and my idea of vigorous activity was drinking enough coffee to make me jittery. The idea that someone would come to me for fitness advice was almost mind blowing. Anyway…

She wanted to find something that would counterbalance some of her other fitness efforts. I suggested tennis, to which she replied.

“Oh, I’m no good at tennis.”

“I didn’t tell you to be good at tennis, I just said – play tennis.”

People have a real hard time doing things they aren’t good at, but if that’s a sticking point, how do you start anything? You start by doing things badly.

A little over a year ago, I was approached by a friend asking if I would consider playing double bass. I’ve been playing electric bass since I was thirteen, and to be honest – I’m OKish at best. I’m from the “Michael Anthony School of bass.” Nothing flashy, but I can sing backup and I don’t add to the drama between the lead guitarist and the singer.

I never thought much about tackling the big beast. First, they are expensive, so I’d have to find a place that would rent. In years past when I had the itch, I had asked around, but most stores said “Sorry, we only rent to students.” Wha?? I also didn’t know any teachers who would tackle an adult beginner and frankly, the idea of not having frets just sounded like a bad idea. Fretless basses were for “good” musicians. Not someone like me.

My friend had all the answers. She knew a student at Wayne State who was looking for students, and he knew where I could rent a bass. The stars aligned.

After my first lesson, I could very haltingly play “Shortnin’ Bread.” For months I would complain to anyone who would listen “bowing is hard!!” It would break my brain when I had to “hook bow” and then on to “thumb position” where the notes are more apt to squeak in a rather unpleasant manner. I was doing things badly, but it was worth it.

It’s been a bit over a year now. I’m still not great, but I can easily say that I’m not bad either. I practice almost every morning before work. I still squeak plenty of notes, and hook bowing still breaks my brain on an occasion. When I have my doubts, I visit my Youtube channel where I have been documenting my progress.

Would I have done this if I was afraid of doing something badly? Most likely, no. So my advice, folks – say yes! Say yes to doing something badly. Make a fool of yourself, try and fail (or not). It’s all OK because everything, failure or success, is an opportunity to learn. Learning is fresh air for your soul.

Breath deep.