“Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time, to figure out whether you like it or not.”
Virgil Garnett Thomson
One of my personal goals this year is to learn how to play pickleball. I was recently traveling and decided to check out the local pickleball scene. On one court was a family of four, with two small kids. A lot of laughing, some balls making it over the net, (most not) and high-fives when they did. On the other courts, several adults were playing, and I got to observe how the game is “supposed” to be played.
I love watching young kids play and the free abandon and joy they bring to learning something new. I often think, how can I approach new skills with that same free abandonment and joy?
Adulting…
As adults we have years of practice in many areas of life; some of which we feel we have competently mastered. For the most part, we have this “how to do life” thing figured out.
Until we want to try something new that’s out of our usual sphere of comfort.
As adults we may often avoid trying something completely new.
There can be many reasons for this:
Schedule: how do I fit trying something new into my schedule?
Knowledge: I don’t know much about __________ so I’m uncomfortable trying.
Fear of Failure: What if I’m not very good at it?
Fear of Rejection/Judgement: What if others think I’m not very good at it?
Do you want to try something new in 2022? Then challenge the reasons above and approach something new with these suggestions.
Approach Something New With…
Curiosity- Consider yourself a learner and be curious and open to the new experience.
Questions- Ask lots of questions! Teachers/experts want to share their expertise, so feel comfortable asking for further explanation and instructions.
Enjoyment- Take away any pressure you put on yourself while learning. To combat the pressure to “get it right” right away, then a good phrase to remember is, “I just don’t know how to do that yet.” Enjoy the actual process of learning.
Community- Invite some friends to join you in your new learning adventure. Or, be proactive and seek out others who have the same new interest.
“I am still learning.” Michelangelo at age 87
Your Turn
What is something new you would like to try this year? Maybe even something completely out of your normal routine? It could be something in the performing or visual arts, taking on a new leadership role, a sport, a new career, finding new places to adventure to, or maybe even (gasp) public speaking.
Whatever your new “try” is this year, approach it with an attitude of a student, enjoy the experience and give yourself permission to laugh in the process!
Curious to find out if coaching is right for you? Contact Carol for a complimentary 20-minute session.
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