This isn’t revolutionary. You’ve all seen it pinned on pinterest. But let’s take a second and really talk about this.
If I’m being honest, the number one thing that stops me from starting something is knowing that I won’t be as good at it as others are. At least not right away. I’m embarrassed, shy. Take the couch to 5k program for example:
I started that program three times, starting in 2010, before I actually committed to it last year. I wasn’t a runner. And I would inevitably get inside my head and talk myself out of trying again. I couldn’t see past where I was. It seemed impossible. And I hated struggling out there in the open where everyone could see me. Every person I saw, I would assume they were judging me. And that would be that. My ego would get hurt, and the running shoes would go back into the closet where they’d stay for months, maybe even years.
It was the same thing with the book. Writing the book was a piece of cake. Okay, that isn’t exactly true, but it felt… natural. Maybe that’s a better way to describe it. I’m comfortable writing. I mean it’s me, a computer, and an empty room. That part I could handle. But when it came to actually doing anything with that book? Ha, yeah. That was a different story. To move forward meant I had to show it to people. I had to get help. I had to pass it over to editors…people whose job it was to tell me all the things I did wrong. That’s a harsh way to describe it, but that’s what was inside my head. I finished writing the book in 2010. I didn’t get the courage to do anything with it until 2014.
In this social media saturated world, it’s so damn easy to compare ourselves to everyone else. All we see is the final product. All we see are the perfectly crafted and edited snapshots of success. And I don’t know how it goes for you–but a lot of times that stops me from even bothering. I’m never going to get there I’d think.
The fact that I’m not good at things stops me from doing them. All the time. And how stupid is that when you really think about it? In order to get better at something, you have to keep doing it. And all of those people you’re seeing? The ones you think are better than you? Guess what? They started somewhere, too.
When I’d see other runners out during my C25K training (and heck, even now) I would repeat over and over again in my mind this is your beginning. You don’t know what their beginning looked like.
It is always okay to be a beginner. It’s okay not to be the best of something. It’s okay to fail. It’s okay to try again. And again. And again. Life would be painfully boring if none of us ever bothered to learn anything new for fear of being a beginner.
such inspiring words… especially for a Monday morning. And you're so right – it's important to allow ourselves to be beginners. I love your example about running and how you've stuck with it and now, you ARE a runner. Thanks for sharing!
I really like this. The fear of being awful held me back from trying yoga for years but this past Fall I said no more! There's no shame in being a beginner, everyone started there once. This is an important lesson to always keep in mind. Great post 🙂
I can totally relate to this post!! There are things I'm definitely scared of trying but then I get a little push from my husband or family and I get enough courage to start it!! xo, Biana – BlovedBoston
I love your Monday posts! I can't wait to get to them, because they are always exactly what we need to hear on Mondays! I got the job I have mainly because of something I said in the interview, "Everyone knows what it's like to be the new kid!" Can't be afraid to start!!!
love this, and it is so true, though i definitely have trouble reminding myself it's okay to be a beginner. sometimes i get so discouraged and want to give up, and then i remember how far i have come in other areas.
This was something I definitely needed to read right now. You're so right–it's okay to be a beginner!! Even the pros started somewhere. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂 I could always use a little extra motivation on Mondays.
Such a fabulous post you know how much I love your writing and how motivating you are! Hence my getting back into running was totally from you!
I totally agree with you on this one. Often we compare ourselves a lot and you're right, it's so easy to do it nowadays with social media. I also sometimes wonder if people's lives really are as amazing in real life as they are on a computer/cell phone screen. I don't mind being a beginner with many things because I always remind myself that those people who are really awesome at what they do were once beginners also even if they don't act like it.
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Get out of my head!!! This is exactly my problem with everything. Wanting to be perfect from the start. Comparing myself or my work to others. I think this is something that so many people can relate to, we all have been a noob at something. So inspiring!
I could never get into the couch to 5k program, it just seemed to restrictive for me.
Great post lady! I have absolutely had these same feelings and have totally compared myself to others. You are inspiring and motivating. Thank you and I hope that you are having a good day too! 🙂
Yesss to all of this! I definitely fall into this thinking way too often even though I know how stupid it is– it always reminds me of that quote not to compare your behind the scenes to someone else's highlight reel. Easier said than done for sure! Thanks for sharing all of this today!
I feel this way very often. I hate being a beginner and I hate that feeling of uncertainty when trying something new. I have to push myself because it's so worth it!
Love this because this is SO me! I hate feeling like I failed at something and feeling like I don't know what I'm doing which has always held me back!
This is so so true! I have been running for years and I'm still intimidated by other runners! I also have been called a wrecking ball in my new job because I'm so impatient. Being a beginner is hard! 🙂 xo
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Yes to all of this! I HATE letting people see that I'm a beginner. I majored in music in University, and at first I was SO afraid to practice in the communal practise rooms at school, because I didn't want people to hear that I wasn't as "good" as some of the students who had been there longer (which is ridiculous, because the whole point of studying is to improve as you go.) I'm still not great at letting people see my beginner status, but there's so much value in admitting that you're learning, and being able to take advice from others.
I haaaaaaaaaate being a beginner. I beat myself up almost every single day at work because I still have so many questions. I try to remind myself that I've only been there a couple of months but it still frustrates me. I know it's completely unwarranted and ridiculous of me.