We tend to input our own experience into a scenario we see because to be subjective is, after all, human nature. Our upbringing, experiences, and exposure (or lack of exposure) to different environments shape our belief system. We are not seeking to change this mentality but perhaps we can think from another perspectives towards unfamiliar situations and ultimately be less fearful of it?
What quantifies as dangerous? Once and again, we see Youtube videos of daredevil stunts that might result in death if something goes wrong, and there are times when things do go wrong.
Is Danger impartial to everyone, and what is Danger in an objective context? Simply put, it is:
- Inadequate understanding
- Training
- Overestimation
- Underestimation
- Lack of focus
A 2-year-old boy, who haven’t grasped the concept of speed and whose spatial awareness is not fully developed, running onto the road to pick up his toy is extremely dangerous. Yet, famous martial artist and stunt-master Jackie Chan jumping onto a moving bus is considered mildly dangerous.
Now, are we able to avoid getting into dangerous situations? Straight up in your face, the answer is no. No matter how well you prepare and plan for anything to be, there is always an Unknown lurking in the shadows. If we are executing something within our circle of competence, Unknown will usually stay in hibernation. But once in a while, it may bear its fangs, especially when we venture too close to the outskirt of our circle of competence.
Yet, there is a way of lowering the chances of Unknown showing its presence: expanding our circle of competence. In simple terms, seek to understand things that you are not familiar with and maybe attempt them! In fact, the more you get acquainted with something, the more familiar you will get with it. Those dangerous stunts? The practitioners do it on such a regular basis that it is no longer dangerous for them!
To end off, know that there is nothing too safe or too dangerous. It is in all our perspectives.
A great example of widening the circle of competence: Imelda who has been training to be more prepared for the advanced Parkour stunts, under the guidance of Coach Jay.
