When you really don’t want to work with someone

One time when I was training to be a lifeguard, we were doing the exam and I had to tow someone in the pool for a certain distance, say 10m. At the time it felt like the examiner was teasing me, but I was asked to tow the biggest bloke there, someone taller than me (I’m 186cm), and much heavier too (I’m about 80kg).

The thing is, complaining at this point is useless. You don’t get to choose who you rescue in real life, so this is an actual possibility.

The way to think of it is, if you can tow someone that big, you can tow anyone. Plus, it’s easy to forget that bigger people float better. It just means you have to get into an awkward position, and if it means saving a life, it’s a no-brainer.

When people complain about having to work with someone they don’t want to work with, I am reminded of this anecdote. Sure you may not prefer working with the other people, but if it’s for something important, does it really matter?

ENJOYED THIS? HAVE MORE.

MOUNTAINS OF WISDOM

Subscribe to my yamabushi newsletter

RECENT BLOG POSTS

Tim Bunting AKA Kiwi Yamabushi on Zao-san
Inaction in action: Self-sabotage
Tim Bunting AKA Kiwi Yamabushi on Zao-san
Permanence in the permanent
Tim Bunting AKA Kiwi Yamabushi on Zao-san
Follow your curiosities

YAMABUSHI BLOG POSTS

person holding world globe facing mountain
Its Own Merit
Tim Bunting AKA Kiwi Yamabushi on Zao-san
More than a coincidence
meditating buddha figurine
Life’s not fair. What are you going to do about it?

RANDOM POSTS

red and white cart on seashore
The Wagon
two man hiking on snow mountain
The Best Path
pensive ethnic man listening to answer in paper cup phone
You never know who’s listening
Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Get In Touch

Sakata City, Yamagata, Japan 

tim@timbunting.com

Share this:

Like this:

Like Loading...
Scroll to Top