Saying yes to novelty & discomfort

Written by Nicole Lott

A few years ago, I took my kids to the Q1 Observation Deck for spectacular 360’ views of the Gold Coast. Looking out from fully enclosed 77th floor we watched people exit a side door, connect harnesses to a railing, and walk up a set of stairs on the outside of the building. Apparently for fun. The wind was so strong they looked like skydivers mid-flight with their faces and onesies being blasted against their bones. “Crazy”, I muttered, looking back at the view from the comfort and safety of the lounge.

I was back on the Gold Coast this week for the RMIA Conference, facilitating a workshop on emerging risk. I challenged people to embrace the mental discomfort of new tools and exploration of alternate futures for the benefit of cognitive flexibility and an expanded view of what was possible.

The following day, an energetic and inspiring keynote speaker, Gus Balbontin shared how he seeks out novel experiences and learns new skills to build adaptability. I loved Gus’ message that we should consciously and continually expand our comfort zones to be better prepared for multiple futures.

Meanwhile in the exhibition hall, Battleground were living these ideas. After an engaging chat with Joe McDavitt, he asked, “why don’t you join us for a building climb at Q1 this evening?”. It’s not the height that I’m afraid of. I fear rusty bolts failing, the structure crumbling or the railing falling off. Gus’ words “do something new” were quickly becoming the theme for my conference experience and so the only reasonable response was, “Yes, I’d love to”.

A fear shared is a fear halved I figured. So, I signed up my workshop co-facilitator and heights hater, Vanessa Wilson. Together, we climbed outside our comfort zones, 270m above the concrete below, to the top of Australia’s tallest building. Thankfully, it wasn’t quite as windy as my last trip to the spectacular heights of the Q1. Our faces and onesies stayed in the same form as they were on ground level, and we were rewarded with an expanded view of the glittering Gold Coast nightscape.

Thank you, Battleground team for your generosity and adventurous spirit. I appreciate the chance to have put Gus’ good advice into practice. The Q1 climb was a great new experience and I’m glad I pushed my boundaries. Though it’s still a hard no from me for bungie jumping. Because ’novelty’ doesn’t have to mean ‘near death’.