By now, New Year’s resolutions are in full swing. Hopefully, you’re one of those lucky individuals who is still staying the course determined to make healthier choices, run all the races, take up a new hobby, and learn to play a new instrument by the time this year is done. I mean, we get hoverboards this year so our plans must be equally grand!
However, sometimes those grand plans end up seeming more like an I Love Lucy scheme once we realize that we simply can’t breakup with chocolate. Our attempts only lead to late night rendezvous that leave us feeling dirty the next morning when our minds (and waistlines) weigh heavy with the guilt of our chocolate indiscretions. Why are the forbidden loves the most tempting?
Of course, then we realize that the mere walk from the couch to the door leaves us gasping for air as if we had just run 5 miles up hill. And, in our hands, every instrument sounds more like a torture device than a source of beautiful music, even the triangle. But, that’s okay.
Allow yourself to be a beginner.
In a society focused on instant gratification (I blame Netflix) and social media highlight reels, we often forget that it’s okay to be a beginner. It’s okay not to be perfect.
Much like you wouldn’t expect a child to run before they could walk, nobody expects you to play Mozart before you can master Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Goals take time to achieve. Mistakes will be made. Lessons will be learned. Dues will be paid. But first you must allow yourself the freedom to make those mistakes, ask questions, and accept help. It is through your hard work, sweat, perseverance, and ability to embrace being a beginner that you will eventually become an expert.
So the next time you find yourself facing a new goal, whether that be a career change, taking your blog to the next level, or simply learning a new skill, remember there’s nothing wrong with starting at the beginning.
