Beginner's Mindset: How to Embrace Starting Something New
When was the last time you did something for the first time? We all aspire to be experts in our fields; the ones that lead the way and set the tone for innovation and future growth. It takes years to reach that expert level proficiency, but everyone has to start somewhere. Today, we’re going to discuss how to embrace the beginner’s mindset and set yourself up for success.
Being a beginner can be scary! You’re working in new territory, where you don’t yet know the rules and you aren’t aware of your capabilities, or even what is required to be successful. There are so many unknown factors, that it can be tough to get started, but getting started is the most important step.
The first step is showing up. As a beginner, you’ve got to be vulnerable and embrace the discomfort of putting yourself in the game before you’re ready. To make the most of this opportunity, you need to show up with the willingness to listen, to learn, and to be coached.
Coachability is such an important trait, but it often goes overlooked, but what makes someone coachable? It comes down to having the ability to take feedback and apply it. It can be easier said than done, especially if the ego gets in the way, or if you don’t have the trust and confidence in your coach. As a beginner, it’s important to seek out the right teachers, coaches, and to build a network that you can truly trust to guide you through the unknowns and help you advance your skills. It may take a while to find the right fit, but it will make a difference in your experience.
Be prepared to be humbled, but don’t get discouraged. When you are starting at square one, you’re likely to be working alongside others with more advanced skills. It can be difficult to watch others excel, while you’re still finding your footing, but try not to be intimated and avoid comparing yourself to those around you. Instead, focus on how much you can learn from the experts around you. Take the time to listen, and equally as important, to observe.
Not everything can be taught. In fact, there are two types of knowledge: explicit and tacit. Explicit knowledge is based on information that can be codified, stored, and easily transferred; Tacit knowledge resides in the mind of experts and practitioners. It’s knowledge that needs to be socialized, and in many cases, it’s not easy to communicate. Tacit knowledge is the strategic lever that differentiates good from great, and you can only gain this knowledge through experiences and interactions. As a beginner, you are missing this essential piece, but this is the knowledge you will gain along your journey. So remember to pay attention, ask a lot of questions, and experiment as you begin to feel more comfortable.
Being bad at something is the first step to being good at something. New beginnings can be scary and uncomfortable, but they are also exciting! Think of everything that you can gain taking on a new challenge:
New skills
New outlook
New friends, connections, and community
When you start as a beginner, you’re putting yourself in the position to learn something new. As you advance in your new domain, your new skills can lead to improvements in your life. You may increase your earning potential, but even more, you’ll expand your understanding of the world around you. You’ll notice that the limits you previously had, or envisioned, no longer exist. There is a freedom in learning and continued growth, and you may notice, your world will become bigger.
Perseverance is key, so make a commitment to learning something new and give it your best effort. And don’t forget to celebrate yourself! There is a lot to be said for those that are brave enough to start as a beginner, to put themselves in the position to be judged, and to embrace feedback and coaching. Investing in yourself is always a good idea, so enjoy the journey, both the road bumps and milestones along the way!
