Stretch Appropriately

by Bruce Cook

I am currently reading the most recent work of non-fiction by Chuck Klosterman - The Nineties, A Book. Chuck has been my favourite author for quite a while - purely by chance.

I stumbled into my first Klosterman read back in 2001. Having grown up in Fargo, North Dakota and recently moved to Scotland, I had wandered into the now defunct Borders bookstore on Buchanan Street in Glasgow looking for a quality public restroom. The ‘gents’ was on the basement floor way in the back - near all the books they assumed nobody wanted to buy.

As I was in a bit of a rush on my way in, I didn’t pay much attention to the books. However, as I emerged from the facilities refreshed and relaxed, I instantly saw before me a not insignificantly sized pyramid display (an organised pile) of books with the bold title of Fargo Rock City - a heavy metal odyssey in rural North Dakota. Of course I had to buy it, and I’ve been hooked on Chuck ever since. But that’s not the point here.

Chuck grew up near Fargo. In addition to that loose connection, I love the way he mixes sport and culture, and his casually spoken yet insightful analysis of various philosophical viewpoints. More importantly, I love his writing style that is both intelligent and funny. It challenges me on several levels. Reading Klosterman stretches my intellectual capacities.

In several of Chuck’s books he mentions the late author David Foster Wallace. Chuck clearly admires Wallace’s work and has named his 1996 novel Infinite Jest as the greatest work of fiction produced in the 90’s. I’ve tried to read it - unsuccessfully. Infinite Jest is 1,079 pages long and my bookmark has been lodged on page 93 for about 6 months because I can't get into a flow. I'm constantly stopping to look up words and read the footnotes (some of which have footnotes) and references that provide the necessary context. By the time I've done that, I can't remember what was happening in the story. Oh, how I long for more brain capacity...

Reading Klosterman stretches me. I read, enjoy, and grow. As for David Foster Wallace, I will finish Infinite Jest one day, but currently, for me, that is a stretch too far. I recognise that and accept it.

I see this personal literary quest much like a young athlete who plays or trains with the older kids. By joining the game that is a level above, the athlete is force to work hard, concentrate, and up his/her game. As a result, the improvement comes - and usually at an increased pace.

We see this all the time when talented but unproven players step up to the professional ranks and suddenly blossom into stars. Steph Curry from Davidson, Damian Lillard from Weber State, Ja Morant from Murray State, Kurt Warner from the Arena Football League, Tom Brady from the 6th round, Roger Staubach from the 10th, and Bart Starr from round 17! All found their best form when they stretched themselves at the next level.

This "stretch growth" is perhaps even more prevalent in the professional world. We've all heard that advice to take on a new challenge as the best way to grow. You never know how good you can be until you push yourself to the limit. Don't worry about imposter syndrome. Speak up in the meeting. Go for the promotion. Join the committee. Make the presentation. Get out of your comfort zone and your comfort zone expands.

I personally know a certain sports journalist who was once a junior radio reporter until one afternoon when the main evening national TV news sports anchor came down with a severe migraine. The junior radio reporter (with no TV news experience) stretched herself and accepted the daunting challenge to present on television that night, leading to a long and successful career in sports media. Was that a stretch too far? Clearly not.

The list of stories like this is endless, but the point isn't simply to stretch oneself. We've all been hearing that mantra since the beginning of time. My point is that we need to stretch ourselves APPROPRIATELY. You don't choose a marathon for your first run. Please don't put 6 plates on the bar only to drop it on your neck. You can't just throw a 10-year-old onto the high school team, and you can't be reckless with the professional challenges you take on. For me, David Foster Wallace is currently a stretch too far.

The key is to always be stretching outside your comfort zone, but within reach... or at least within sight. Too ambitious and the failure may be irrecoverable. Both your ego and your image may be shattered. But stretch appropriately and you will become better, and better prepared for the next stretch that propels you even further forward.

I can't tell you how far it is safe to stretch. Only you can be the judge of that. I'm not going to read Infinite Jest. Well, not today anyway.

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