We Fail at the Margin of Our Experiences

I recently heard a quote that stuck with me: “We fail at the margin of our experiences.” It got me thinking about the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. It’s easy to see ourselves as having a growth mindset—when we’re faced with information we understand or already agree with. But what happens when something challenges us? When the information doesn’t quite make sense to us, or when it’s not what we would have chosen?

That’s where real growth starts—when we pause, listen, and look for common ground. When we ask ourselves: Can I find value in this, even if I don’t fully agree?

CrossFit is one of those topics that tends to stir up strong opinions. This weekend, during a business presentation, the speaker (not a CrossFit coach) made a comment that stuck with me. He said he didn’t understand why a 44-year-old accountant needs to do power snatches. He argued that unless the lift is performed with proper technique and sufficient power, the intended training effect won’t be achieved.

Now, I could’ve tuned him out right then and there—because let’s be honest, snatches are life—but I didn’t. Instead, I listened. And I saw his point. Olympic lifts are highly technical and powerful. If we don’t pay attention to mechanics and output, progress is hard to come by. Ultimately, it’s the coach’s responsibility to ensure that everyone in class is moving well, staying safe, and using loads that promote improvement.

But here’s where I disagree: to say a 44-year-old accountant shouldn’t be snatching is, in my humble opinion, like saying they shouldn’t be playing soccer with friends, going for a dunk on the basketball court, or playing pickleball. Writing off snatching—or CrossFit altogether—because it doesn’t make sense to you isn’t a valid critique. It reflects a fixed mindset, one that dismisses what it doesn’t understand.

So, why does a 44-year-old accountant snatch? (Or anyone with a mostly sedentary job, for that matter?)
Because they want to.
Because they can.
Because it brings them joy.

Life is already complicated. Justifying how we choose to move and care for our health shouldn’t be another source of stress. It should be simple: Find something you love and make time for it.

And if CrossFit happens to be that thing for you, I’d love to show you how it can truly change your life. Stop by Celebration CrossFit. Let’s chat about it.

Coach Keren