The blind jenga king!

This week I met a 17-year-old blind student that astounded me. When I asked the group if there were any self-proclaimed Jenga Champions in the room. He immediately rose his hand. Judgemental Bel, out loud said ‘WOAH, ok!’ because in my mind I was thinking, there is no way he could safely remove a tiny wooden block from a wobbly tower. When I saw him successfully remove block after block, it dawned on me that far too often we place limitations on others.

We are quick to judge the fate of others, assume their capabilities, shut down their dreams and confidently state that ‘x’ is impossible. Statements like; you’ll never be that, you’ll never do that and you’ll never become that are repeated far too often. How dare we!!! I believe the only thing worse, is when we cast these limitations and judgements upon ourselves. We tell ourselves that it is not possible, that you are not pretty enough, you are nowhere near talented enough and you certainly aren’t smart enough.

So, what can we do to acknowledge these consistent failings and begin to work towards believing in ourselves and others (even just a little more)?

1. Every time you say ‘I can’t’ respond with ‘What if I could?’

How we talk to ourselves matters. The statements we repeat in our minds are so powerful. The more we tell ourselves we can’t, the more we start to believe it. If it’s that easy to believe we can’t, believing we CAN can’t be that far away. You are in control of what you say to yourself. Next time you hear that inner critic repeat again and again you can’t. Take a moment to say ‘hang on, who knows that I can’t? No one! What if I can’ and repeat ‘What if I can’ at least 5 times over. Even if you have failed before, who is to say that attempt 202 won’t be the attempt that YOU CAN and YOU WILL! Because maybe this time you have convinced yourself that you are capable… and you are.

2. Make your only response ‘That’s AWESOME!’

When someone boldly states ‘I’m going to go and do this…’ remove your judgement. The only response to that bold claim should be ‘good on you, tell me more about it!’. Sometimes all we need is gentle encouragement and someone to listen and take interest in what is important to us.

3. Suggest the first step!

As much as we believe we can become famous overnight, it just doesn’t happen (even those that gain an insta-famous status). There is so much challenge, sacrifice and hard work behind every story of success. So, the first thing we need to do is break it down into small tangible steps. Help yourself and help others work out what you can do tomorrow to get just a little bit closer to that fame.

4. Know what buttons to press

I do acknowledge that part of our world has gained the success they have because they are those people that thrive on others doubting them. However, I also know that not everyone is empowered by someone telling them they can’t. So, for those you care about most, work out what drives and motivates them. If telling them they can’t makes them switch off and give up, you certainly don’t want to fuel that fire. However, if you know that it grinds their gear to know that someone out there doesn’t believe in them and they will do everything in their power to ensure they are successful to spite them I still don’t know that you would want to be that person that didn’t believe in the beginning. I would much rather be there to say ‘I told you, you would!’ when they kick ass!

5. Believe in the Blind Jenga King (and yourself!)

Next time a blind person tells you they are a Jenga Champion just give them the benefit of the doubt. If all you do is smile and wait for them to show you what they can achieve, you are one step closer to negating this consistent fight of sabotage that our insecure world thrives on.

Let's get out there and boldly remove and add our own jenga blocks to this structured world.

with LOVE from Bel x