This weekend we rewatched The Ultimate Beastmaster Season 1 on Netflix. It’s an obstacle course show with contestants from 6 different countries traverse 4 rounds of challenges. Each completed obstacle awards points and the contestants with the highest amount of points pass through each round until two finalist go head to head.
Bonus obstacle detours called point thrusters are scattered in each round offering high risk and high rewards. Because points are cumulative from round to round, contestants have to strategically decide whether or not to go for the bonuses. The points are vital when the competition is close, but failing on any obstacle ends the the round for the contestant. Failing on level 3’s bonus also will lose you points, further multiplying the risk and rewards available.
The structure of the competition is exciting to watch. We are conditioned to analyze risk v reward in a similar style. Big risks must equal big rewards. And conversely, in order to get big rewards, you must take big risks.
However, most things in real life are not so. Taking big risks doesn’t necessarily mean big rewards. And it’s possible to get big rewards without taking big risks. Seth Godin says, “If you fail too big, you don’t get to fail anymore. If you never fail, then you haven’t done anything.”
Seth is a pro at failing. He says he has failed more than just about anyone else. He’s also succeeded so much more than most people too. The key is to fail small and often. And learn from the failures. That is the key to success.
So remember when watching shows like Beastmaster, they are there for entertainment. When you are looking for success in your own life, take small risks, fail often, and improve.