The BOK Center was buzzing with activity on a hot July Saturday. Fans and teams gathered for Tulsa’s Seventh Annual Dodgebrawl Tournament.
If your new to “Dodgebrawl,” here’s how it works. Teams of six people, play for six minutes on a standard dodgeball court (30’ wide by 60” long) with six, 6.5-inch rubber-coated foam balls. Teams compete in a double-elimination bracket. The winning team’s selected charity/non-profit benefit, too.
Rita and I showed up to support her company’s two teams. The event is entertaining with four games going at the same time. There are prizes for the most creative team name and the “uniform” competition. The talent levels are noticeable from the “all volunteer teams” to those few who showed up to win. The crowd loves the “last man standing” game, grabbing the spectator’s attention and vocal support.
Besides one referee per court, members of the Marine Corps help manage the games. Walking out of The BOK Center, we passed the Marine’s recruiting booth. Besides literature and swag, they added some fun with a pullup challenge. They say the pullup is one of the best bodyweight exercises out there.
Molly was still in her “uniform” which subtlety delivered the Wonder Woman persona. Molly and her husband are regulars at the gym. So of course, Molly accepted the Marine’s challenge. Prizes came with your level of performance.
Grabbing the crossbar, she began her pullups, with the full support of our group. “One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight.” Pulling from deep within, “Nine. Ten!” Amidst the cheering, she collected her reward from the Marines, and I felt the nudge.
You know what I mean, right?
“The Nudge” inspires you to do something that you think you “should” do, probably “could” do but if you think about it you “don’t” do. Think about it too long, and you remain in the Comfort Zone, on the sidelines. “The Nudge” inspired me by asking, “What ya going to do, Steve? Now’s your chance. You’ve spent all that time in the gym. You can do this. Go for it.”
Time to move
It’s a split second, moment-of-truth when we decide to move or not.
To engage the moment and story, you must break-out of your Comfort Zone, push past the armed guard “Fear” staring you down. You’ve got to believe that right outside the gate is the Safety Zone. The Safety Zone is where you see the risk but go for it. And once you decide to go for it, you’re almost immediately in the Growth Zone. The Growth Zone is where you exercise your ability and willingness to learn and change.
I responded to The Nudge and stepped forward towards the Marine and the free-standing pull-up bar. (One of the Marines had to stabilize the equipment as I attacked the bar.)
The small group cheered me on. “One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven.” And with all I had left, one more, “Eight!”
It was interesting how the support and encouragement of the group helped. 
“Thank you for your service,” I said to the two Marines.
As we shook hands, one of them presented me with a red, sports water bottle. Imprinted in white, I read, “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” All those months of exercise at SKY Fitness Center prepared me to accept The Nudge and step into the moment, instead of hiding in the crowd.
Creating space to reflect
Look, I know this story is about a low-risk nudge. But can you identify with the Story?
- Where are you sensing a nudge to step out and take action?
- What’s stopping you?
- What’s prepared you for this moment of breakthrough?
- What’s your next step?
Here’s a hack to use when nudged and you need to get moving. It’s “The 3-second Rule.” It’s simple. Countdown, under your breath or audibly, “3…2…1…Go!” The secret to movement is to move.
Here’s to your Next Level Leadership Journey,
Steve
For the fun-of-it, here’s Molly and “The Nudge” moment and me at “Four.” I know what you’re thinking.
And yes, posting the picture takes me out of my Comfort Zone.
