From Novice to Expert: Embracing the Beauty of Being a Beginner

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” ~ Helen Hayes

Hey there, wonderful souls! Today, I want to delve into something close to my heart — the sheer value of engaging in a practice purely for the joy it brings. This concept struck me during a recent conversation with a client, and it got me thinking about how important it is to allow ourselves to be beginners, to make mistakes, and to simply relish the experience without the weight of expectations. So, let’s journey through this intriguing terrain together.

The Pressure to Master Everything

I’ve noticed this recurring pattern. It’s the tendency we have, especially as coaches, to put immense pressure on ourselves the moment we stumble upon something new. We almost instinctively set ourselves on a race to excel, to master it, to seamlessly integrate it into our work.

And guess what? I’ve been guilty of this too. It’s like dousing the early flames of curiosity, dampening the aliveness of a newfound interest. Recently, a client was grappling with the same predicament, and their journey mirrored my own in so many ways.

Nurturing the Flame of Aliveness

The curious thing is, in that rush to master something new and incorporate it flawlessly, we often dampen the very aliveness that drew us to it. The relentless urge to be good at everything we encounter can dim the very spark that ignited our interest. It’s akin to snuffing out a nascent flame just as it’s beginning to catch hold. You know that feeling, right? I’ve been there, multiple times. I find myself discovering something, and without a beat, my inner dialogue starts: “How do I incorporate this into my practice?” Instead of letting it burn and flourish naturally, we subconsciously dampen its potential.

Reclaiming Joyful Learning

But, let’s consider another possibility — the possibility that not everything needs to be integrated into our work. We don’t always have to excel at everything we touch. Not every pursuit has to become an integral part of our professional journey.

We have the beautiful privilege of engaging in practices simply because they’re good for us, because they light up our souls. We can embrace practices simply because they bring us joy, because they enrich our lives, and because they’re just good for our souls. These pursuits can be our own, for a while or longer — they don’t need to bear the weight of becoming the ‘next big thing’ in our repertoire. They can remain ours to cherish, at least for a while. It’s a liberating thought, isn’t it?

From Enjoyment to Expertise

Stepping away from the compulsion to master everything swiftly gives us a treasure: the freedom to be beginners, to make mistakes, to bask in the simple joy of the process. And, in a way, that’s where the magic happens. When we let go of the pressure to perform and make things fit neatly into our professional lives, we create space for authenticity. We create space for the beginner within us. Suddenly, it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to progress at our own pace. We allow ourselves the delight of learning purely for learning’s sake. And guess what? That’s often when we truly excel.

I find that when I actually let myself enjoy something, that’s when I truly begin to excel at it. It’s a paradox, really. When we’re not fixated on being good, our natural inclination to learn, adapt, and grow takes over. These pursuits effortlessly weave themselves into the fabric of our being, often flowing into our work in the most genuine ways.

Or not. I’m going to a Hula Hoop dance retreat soon and I can pretty much guarantee, I’m not going to become a hoop teacher. But I love playing with a plastic circle for no reason other than it brings me joy.

Unmasking the Need for More

I believe this constant need to add more skills to our arsenal stems from a deep-rooted sense of ‘not enough.’ The perfectionist in us loves to chase certificates and trainings, as if each one is a small piece of reassurance that we’re inching closer to competence. This tendency, frequently associated with our inner perfectionist, keeps us collecting accolades without fully embracing their value. It’s as if we’re on a journey to build an armour of qualifications, believing it will shield us from any feelings of inadequacy.

But here’s where the paradox lies — despite amassing these accolades, we often hesitate to wholeheartedly embrace the extent of our offerings. Instead of boldly stepping into our unique blend of skills and experiences, we hold back, caught in the perpetual cycle of ‘just one more training.’ It’s like standing at the threshold of a door that opens into the realm of our authentic offerings, yet we’re reluctant to turn the knob.

The belief that we’re not quite ready — not until we accumulate just one more certificate — becomes a hindrance to our progress.

In reality, this hesitation perpetuates the belief in ‘never enough.’ When we tether our self-worth to external validation, we’re left chasing an insatiable desire for more. Yet, the true magic unfolds when we shift our focus from external recognition to the inner satisfaction of doing the work. It’s in the act of embracing our offerings, utilising the skills we’ve already acquired, that we find a profound connection to our craft. The true validation lies not in the certificates adorning our walls, but in the genuine engagement we bring to our work.

Embodying Confidence Through Practice

Over time, I’ve come to realise that the foundation of genuine confidence in offering something to others is rooted in my ability to wholeheartedly embrace it myself. The secret, as I’ve uncovered it, lies in investing substantial time in dedicated practice, in truly immersing myself in the subject matter, and in weaving it into the very fabric of my life. As this integration deepens, the offering evolves from a mere concept to a resonant truth within me. It’s an extraordinary shift; suddenly, a natural eagerness sparks within, driving me to authentically share it with others. It’s as though a genuine enthusiasm ignites, propelling me to present it with sincerity and dedication.

This process of internalisation has led me to appreciate that the more I make a practice my own, the more it becomes an inseparable part of me. I’ve witnessed that it’s not solely about mastering the mechanics; it’s about cultivating a profound understanding, a true fusion of theory and lived experience. When this fusion happens, the offering takes on a life of its own, aligning seamlessly with my beliefs and values. This alignment translates into a compelling authenticity that naturally resonates with those I share it with. The journey from personal embodiment to confident sharing is a beautiful evolution, one that I continually embrace with wonder and gratitude.

A Gentle Reminder to Embrace Where You Are

Let me remind you (and me) that where you are right now is enough. There’s no rush. You don’t need to be a master of everything right away. You’re allowed to be a beginner, to relish every step in your journey. You’re allowed to enjoy the learning process, to nurture your curiosity, and to find joy in the exploration.

The learning path is a dynamic one, filled with its own ebbs and flows. And isn’t that the wonder of it all? Every step we take contributes to our growth. Each stage, whether familiar or uncharted, enriches our understanding and expands our perspective. So, let’s take a collective breath and acknowledge that there’s value in every moment — from the first tentative step into the unknown to the triumphant mastery that comes later. Savouring each phase, honouring each stride, we weave a tapestry of progress that’s uniquely ours.

As we walk this path, I invite you to share your thoughts, reflections, and questions. Let’s learn together, let’s grow together.

Originally published at https://vixanderton.com on August 31, 2023.