MICHAEL USHER: I’ve tangoed with world leaders, dancing on TV might be my greatest cha-cha-challenge yet

I thought long and hard this morning about diving into worthy words on the new American revolution under Donald Trump; but he’s moving at such speed with sweeping changes that, by the time I’d written one paragraph, another dozen executive orders had been signed up-ending or over-ruling pretty much everything that Americans came to accept over the past few decades.

So, let’s take a big leap away from Trump-world and slide into the world of dance.

I’m not a big fan of resolutions or affirmations as a rule, but about eight years ago I tried the “yes” approach to life, which seemed like a good idea at the time. Stretch my limits, learn a few new things, and step outside my lanes.

In truth, it resulted in far too many awkward moments I’d rather forget and hangovers that didn’t help me forget enough. Perhaps I didn’t say yes to the things that helped me grow and thrive, like the “yes” life-advice promised.

But having let a bit of time pass, I recently plucked up the courage to try “yes” once more and agreed to join the cast of Dancing with the Stars. I asked the kids what they thought and it was a big “yes” and that’s all the counsel I needed. However, a step or two onto the dance floor has turned out to be a huge of leap of faith.

I justified my decision to join the show in these ways: stretching my limits, getting out of my comfort zone and learning something new. Not things you get presented that often the more you age and settle into the routines of work and family life.

And the delightful bonus of making your kids proud — or at the very least, not embarrassing them beyond what I already do most days. But, wow, this journey so far has been a steep learning curve and an eye-opening exposure the incredibly physical and skilled world of dance sport.

I thought I had some baseline fitness heading into all this, but that was delusional. The rehearsal routine and hours needed to make this dad bod of mine pliable enough to pass for the appearance of a ballroom dancer has tested the patience and extraordinary skill set of the talented dancer assigned to whip me into shape, Natalie Lowe.

Nat is a superstar in the world of professional dancing, it turns out, with the patience of a saint. She gets goose-bumps talking about dance, and is thrilled if even two of my feet go in the right direction to complete a turn and let her shine. Funny thing is, I’m now not just dancing to save myself and my kids from embarrassment, but dancing to make sure Natalie’s expectations and infectious level of professionalism are not brought down by my initially clumsy attempts a foxtrot.

What I have loved however — so far — is finding a place where my mind is truly taking in new information and giving the old grey matter a good workout, as much as bending the timber of this rigid rig of mine. There is some physics to dance, a little bit of maths, a lot of memory, a lot more muscle memory and a solid mix of cognitive exercise.

Altogether, I’d call that a great way to push your body and mind into some new places, that might have just become a little set in their ways. I’ve written before, or at least thought it even if I didn’t commit to words, that curiosity and new learning can be the fountain of youth.

To learn something from scratch, and not only learn the basics but skills that push you close to some professional standards, is a wonderful gift. Even if it’s not presented as a gift, I’d highly recommend seizing the moment and acting on that unfulfilled thought of taking up a new challenge. I heard my fellow cast member Rebecca Gibney say in on our team interviews that her son’s advice was: “Mum, fear and excitement are on the same range of emotions. Don’t let either stop you.”

So well said, and a statement I’d fully endorse. That said, we haven’t got to the actual competition yet, and my nerves are beyond many of those I’ve confronted and conquered in all sorts of hairy situations I’ve covered for news, here and around the world. Go figure. It shows I have genuinely stepped way outside my comfort zone.

So, by the time I’ve got to the end here and written all of this, Donald Trump has probably offered to buy Australia and turn it into a gold resort. That will at least give me something to write later in the week and take my mind of my nerves and dodgy left ankle that twinges on every angry stomp of the pasodoble.