Be horrible at something new

I'm not much for New Year's Resolutions, but I try learning something new around the first of each year. It could be a new hobby or skill or trying to grow professionally. Stretching myself keeps my brain sharp and keeps me relevant. This year? I probably tried too many things. There was much failure -- and some success. But together, the experience taught me something I needed to know about myself. ?

In January, I began learning guitar. I’d practice for at least an hour every week. It was rough. I didn’t see much progress. After two frustrating months, I made excuses and allowed the time to be taken up by other things. Activities I was either already good at or I enjoyed more.

At the same time, I was learning more about app development. I am not a great programmer. Pulling my brain through tutorials and books was tedious, but I stuck at it. Like the guitar, the results were not what I wanted, and I found excuses for ignoring this goal.

February brought a new opportunity—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I’ve never been particularly competitive or athletic. So, why not try something that requires both of these things??

At nearly 50 years old (I turned 50 in May) I was the second oldest person in the class. For the first month, I attended the kids/beginners class. Learning the absolute basics of this sport was humbling. And eye-opening.

I could learn something new that was far out of my comfort zone. That was a great discovery by itself. I also discovered it was fun, taxing physically, and required more than just physical strength. This new sport required thoughtfulness, presence, and strategy.

I became more confident in my skills and learning ability as the months progressed. Six months in, I received a stripe on my white belt. My instructors had seen me demonstrate enough skill and technique to mark my progress toward a blue belt.? I did not expect this. It was also oddly emotional.

I say oddly because I found it so touching. I felt like I was making progress, but I wasn’t quite sure where I was on this journey. But that stripe, as simple as it was, the first of four on the path to a blue belt, was a recognition of hard work and dedication.

The first two failures, coupled with my success in Jiu-Jitsu, gave me a significant insight into myself: when earning something new, I need some mile markers and acknowledgment of progress. Something outside me that can counter the voice in my head that tells me I'll never be good at this and I should go do something else. Now. That insight motivated me to try again in other areas where I want to grow.

“When you stop learning, you start dying.” I have no idea if Einstein really said that, but I love the quote. I am a lifelong learner and encourage that in others. In your professional life, continuous learning keeps you employable and ready for new challenges at work. In your personal life, it helps you evolve as a human being. But you won’t know what you are capable of until you choose to be horrible at something new.