As we get older, it can feel so much harder to start.
The reality of life and consequences and bills and fear set in. So we pause.
We question ourselves, our capabilities.
We wonder if we have the time, the skill, the talent, the ability or any combination of these.
The thing, we do.
We absolutely do.
The truth is that the older we get the scarier it becomes to be a beginner.
This means we must admit we don’t know everything.
In fact, we might know very little.
But here’s the most important fact: it also doesn’t make you stupid or incapable.
It means you’re a beginner.
You’re smart, capable and teachable.
I saw this “don’t be afraid to be a beginner” on Instagram message and it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Whether you’re 38ish like me, in your 50s, 70s or mid 20s, don’t be afraid.
If you want to write a book, or start a new business or switch careers, learn photography, run marathon, or anything else, don’t be afraid to start at the beginning.
We only need to take one step at a time.
Even if you’re a pro at whatever you currently do, don’t let being a beginner in a different industry, hobby or passion stop you. Yup, you don’t yet know all the things.
But you’ve made it this far in life.
And you’re capable of pushing yourself further, harder and bigger.
Believe you are capable of more than this moment.
I heard recently this at a conference and it’s my favorite line:
“Today I did my best. Tomorrow I’ll do better.”
Today I’m armed with a certain level of knowledge and skill. Tomorrow I am capable of more.
So tomorrow I’ll do better.
It’s just like when I read posts or work I did years ago and cringe a little. My younger self thought that work was amazing when I originally wrote it.
I was really proud of myself. Because at that time, that was my best.
But woah nelly, that’s not my best today. Today I am capable of more.
The same goes for you.
Today you are a beginner at something that’s deep in your soul, or right on your fingertips.
If you start today, you won’t be a beginner for long.
Join the Conversation
Emer
January 8, 2019 at 12:56 PMI love this! I’m always challenging myself to learn something new, but….the worst part for me is when I start to learn, I get so frustrated with myself that I can’t do things as well as I’d like and become so overwhelmed with the volume of information. I have to remind myself that learning is a joyful lifelong journey not a sprint to the finish line! Emer, your life does NOT depend on being able to do a broom stitch in your crochet using multiple strands of some obscure yarn while blindfolded! Lol
Sam
January 7, 2019 at 12:07 PMSuch an important message! It’s easy to get discouraged, but life really is too short to let fear of the unknown hold us back.
xx
Sam
Jackie
January 7, 2019 at 7:57 AMThanks Alyson. A great reminder for me as I’m in my late 40’s and looking at starting a brand new career and life.
Kimberly Smith
January 7, 2019 at 7:27 AMI love this message so much & needed to hear this today – being a perfectionist, sometimes I feel like I don’t want to try anything new unless I know I can do it perfectly the first time…which is totally unrealistic & that mindset has kept me from so much. One of my goals for the year is to not let fear hold me back, so this is an excellent reminder!