Rope Burns & Real Growth

A number of years ago, in the heat of August, I started exercising regularly for the first time in my adult life. I wasn’t chasing a certain pant size or training for a big event—I just wanted to keep up with my kids and feel more like myself again. But I knew I needed structure and accountability, so instead of easing in slowly like a normal person, I signed up for CrossFit.

Because clearly, if you’re going to start something new, you might as well jump into the deep end wearing a weighted vest.

It was terrifying and empowering all at once.

After my first workout, I drove home, went straight to the bathroom floor, and laid there for 20 minutes. Not even kidding. For two weeks afterward, every time I encountered stairs, I gripped the railing like my life depended on it. And in some ways, it did.

By October, just a couple months in, I was still showing up, still sweating, and still battling nerves when a workout included something new—like rope climbs. For the record, I had never climbed a rope in my life. So when our coach asked who was new to this, I raised my hand… right alongside a recent NDSU football alum who had played on three national championship teams.

Let’s call him Mr. Football.

Perfect.

As I stood there next to a human who looked like a Nike ad, my brain immediately spun into “what am I doing here?” mode. I assumed he’d breeze through the rope climbs and I’d be the comic relief.

Turns out, I was wrong.

He went first up the rope and nailed the upper body portion but struggled with the footwork. And I’ll never forget what he said afterward:

"Man, this stuff is humbling. There’s always something to learn."

That moment stuck with me. This guy, who could’ve easily flexed his way through the day, was genuinely excited to learn something new—even if it meant getting it wrong at first. He was coachable. Curious. Humble.

And he made space for the rest of us to be those things, too.

I didn’t crush the rope climb, but I didn’t fall to my death either, so… win.

The actual workout was a 15-minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) of 200m runs and three rope climbs. Mr. Football and I ended up encouraging each other the whole time, passing high fives, commiserating over rope burns, and finishing with smiles and mutual respect. He got through eight rounds. I made it through three. We both grew.

Later that night, as I nursed my bruised legs and pride, a few things came into focus:

1. Insecurity often looks like judgment.

I assumed he’d be arrogant or dismissive because that’s what my own insecurity told me to expect. But confident people don’t need to tear others down. They make room for growth—in themselves and in those around them.

2. Being a continuous learner matters more than being the best.

Whether it’s rope climbs or running a business, the people who keep growing are the ones who stay curious, seek feedback, and don’t let their strengths turn into blind spots. Mr. Football wasn’t satisfied with just getting up the rope—he wanted to do it right. That’s what sustainable growth looks like.

And that brings me to where I am today.

Through DevelopHR, I work with leaders who are often incredible at what they do. But the ones who thrive long-term? They’re open to coaching. They ask the hard questions. They lean into discomfort and keep learning, even when they’ve already achieved success.

That rope burn eventually turned into a scar. A small one, but it still reminds me:

Stay humble. Stay curious. Keep showing up.

Even when it’s hard. Even when you’re the newbie.

Even when you feel like the least qualified person in the room.

Because chances are, you’re not.

You’re just developing the good stuff.