By: Amelia Lin
There’s nothing like the feeling of starting something new. The excitement, the not-knowing-what-to-expect, and the nervousness all make these experiences stand out in our memories. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, finding a first job, or even just going somewhere you haven’t been before, we all have to start from the beginning.
For the most part, the thought of starting something from scratch may seem intimidating. That’s why we get stuck in our comfort zones no matter how uncomfortable the situation really is. We end up sticking to what we know and avoiding change. We play it safe. There’s nothing wrong with having stability, but when it prevents us from achieving what we can, stability can really hold us back.
Being a beginner means not always knowing what comes next. It means taking things day by day and step by step. The funny thing is though, being a beginner doesn’t last very long. In fact, after the first hump of getting used to things being different, the newness of the circumstances eventually wears off. As soon as you take the first step, you gain momentum, a force that will guide you and push you past the next hill and the next and the next. Every step is easier than the one before, but it’s up to you to pick up your foot in the first place.
We tend to overthink situations we haven’t been in before, so sometimes the best thing to counter the anticipation and anxiety of it all is to just go for it. I’m stealing Nike’s slogan right here, but it fits the message. Just do it. This isn’t about being spontaneous, and this isn’t about taking risks. It’s about finding the final wave of confidence you need to start something fresh. So, if you’ve been finding yourself at a crossroads with the old and new, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone today and embrace being a beginner. There’s no feeling like it.