One of my new favourite go-to wholesome films is Next Goal Wins. It’s about the international football team of American Samoa, which has never won a game or even scored a goal before. I love it because of its Polynesian wit and huge heart at the centre of the people and narrative. Before I tell you why I’m bringing this up, I’ll tell you about my other example first.
Belgian YouTubers and brothers Robert Van Impe and Arno Van Impe completed the Creators Hyrox with the intention to set the bar low. They said it’s more motivating to the people of their country if they are the slowest time and people can look at it and say “I can beat that”. This was a joke, but they actually did just that!
What these two seemingly unconnected things have in common is that they have recently reminded me that it’s okay to have low expectations of yourself. It’s okay to go out with a small goal that seems strange or silly or meaningless to someone else. Comparing yourself to others or taking things too seriously isn’t fun and often leads to disappointment. Instead, if you just go out and do the thing, you’re still incredible!
These men completed the Hyrox like the other creators but I can guarantee they had much more fun as they did! And the American Samoa team had fun playing together and were so happy to score just one goal. Nothing else mattered.
When the bar is low, you ensure you feel good no matter what!
Lazy? Silly? Not motivating? No, I don’t think so. It really depends on who you are but I’ve found it fun and freeing this spring.
For example, this May I choose to take on the GARMIN challenge of running 10 hours total in the month. An admirable and challenging task for me to participate in. However, running for time not distance or speed has helped me to enjoy running again. This is because it doesn’t matter how fast I go or how far, the time will always be the same! I can sit back and relax because the time will pass whether I put in a lot of effort on the runs or not.
How much more fun does that sound?
Why bother setting the bar low?
- It’s fun and funny!
- It ensures you achieve your goals / meet expectations
- It boosts your confidence and morale
- It makes you want to do the thing (because it feels easier)
- Your version of “easy” will change overtime anyway, so it’s actually still a challenge in reality
- Smash more goals
- Change your mindset going into tasks
- Brings positive energy to the things you’re doing
So if there’s something you’re struggling to do, I encourage you to set a low bar for yourself.
Want to write? Tell yourself you only need to write a paragraph!
Want to run? Just go run around the block!
Want to clean the house? Just set a ten minute timer and then decide you’re done!
Want to create a video? Make a twenty second clip!
Set the bar low, change your expectations for yourself, decide what success looks like, and see how it feels. Especially in summer! Let’s just be chill, am I right?!
Sincerely,
S. xx
S. R. Crawford 