The Practice of Being a Novice: Discovering Hidden Strengths and Skills

Have you ever faced a moment in life where you were called to step into something entirely unfamiliar—a space where you didn’t have all the answers and mastery felt impossibly far away?

For me, one of those moments arrived when my mother and I co-hosted Cooking Raw, a PBS cooking show focused on using only raw, plant-based ingredients to create delicious, healthy meals. Neither of us had any experience with television. We didn’t know the first thing about cameras, writing scripts, or how to connect with an audience through a screen. But what we did have was a shared passion for healthy eating and a deep desire to inspire others to transform their lives by reimagining how they think about and prepare food.

In those early days, showing up at the recording studio to tape episodes was nothing short of terrifying for me. I had years of professional expertise leading online education initiatives, on the job training as my mother’s raw vegan sous chef, and the success of launching a business selling prepackaged raw vegan food at farmers’ markets and grocery stores. Yet here I was—a complete novice again—feeling unsure and vulnerable in front of a camera crew.

It was humbling to start from scratch after years of honing other skills, but stepping into that discomfort also unlocked unexpected growth. More importantly, it revealed hidden strengths and untapped abilities I didn’t know I had: creativity, improvisation, ease with being in front of a camera, and the courage to engage authentically with an audience.

The Ongoing Practice of Being a Novice

Let’s face it: being a beginner is hard. It’s uncomfortable, awkward, and often frustrating. And when you’ve spent decades building expertise in your field, it’s even harder. There’s a certain vulnerability in stepping away from what you know so well to try something new. But here’s the truth: being a novice isn’t a one-time experience—it’s a practice.

Life continually offers opportunities to start fresh, and each time we step into the unknown, we’re reminded of the profound growth that comes from beginning again. Being a novice is not just about acquiring new skills; it’s about discovering strengths you didn’t know you had, expanding your perspective, and reshaping your sense of what’s possible. It’s a commitment to lifelong learning, curiosity, and reinvention.

As professionals, educators, and leaders, we’re often seen as the ones who have the answers. But what happens when we intentionally place ourselves in situations where we don’t? It’s a test of courage, patience, humility, and resilience. Yet it’s also the key to unlocking fresh opportunities, hidden talents, and creative breakthroughs.

Why 2025 is the Year to Reclaim Your Novice Energy

The world isn’t slowing down. Generative AI is reshaping industries, global challenges demand bold, innovative solutions, and lifelong learning is no longer optional—it’s essential. That’s why 2025 is the perfect time to embrace a beginner’s mindset.

Let’s reframe this: being a novice isn’t starting over—it’s starting up. It sets the stage for discovering who you can become, expanding your toolkit, and uncovering strengths and skills you may not yet recognize. Novices aren’t constrained by “the way things have always been done” or paralyzed by the fear of failure or losing status. Instead, they’re free to explore, stumble, learn, and ultimately create something entirely new.

Lessons Learned From Being a Novice on Cooking Raw

My experience with Cooking Raw taught me three powerful lessons about stepping into the unknown:

1. Start with Passion, Not Perfection

My mother and I didn’t know how to run a TV show, but we knew we cared deeply about promoting healthy eating. Passion gave us the fuel to push through the awkwardness and learn as we went. Passion, not perfection, is what gets you started—and keeps you going.

2. Let Go of the Need to Know It All

It’s liberating to admit, “I don’t know, but I’m willing to learn.” As experts, we often feel pressure to have all the answers. Being a novice teaches you to embrace not knowing and find joy in discovery.

3. Embrace the Power of Collaboration and Community

Co-hosting Cooking Raw with my mother taught us a vital lesson: we couldn’t do it alone. To fill in the gaps of what we didn’t know about hosting a television show, we had to rely on the expertise of others—sometimes people much younger, sometimes those far more experienced. Collaboration not only bridges the gaps in your knowledge but also inspires a deeper sense of connection and community.

Practical Tips for Embracing the Practice of Being a Novice

If 2025 is your year to reclaim your novice energy, here are some steps to get started:

• Identify One Area Where You’re Willing to Start Fresh: Pick something that excites you but feels a bit outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s learning a new skill, embracing a creative hobby, or exploring a side hustle.
• Surround Yourself with Encouragement: Seek out mentors, peers, or communities who celebrate growth and support beginners. Find your “cooking partner” to help you along the way.
• Redefine Success: Shift your focus from perfection to progress. Celebrate small wins and the courage it takes to step into something new.
• Share the Journey: Don’t keep your novice story to yourself. Share your experiences with others—it’s not only inspiring but also a way to stay accountable and connect with like-minded individuals.

The Reward: Growth, Renewal, and Impact

When my mother and I ventured into the world of Cooking Raw, we had no idea where it would lead. Yet that experience opened doors I didn’t even know existed. It taught me the incredible possibilities that come from learning something new, the quiet strength found in vulnerability, the generosity of strangers, and the profound value of stepping into the unknown—even if it feels or appears scary.

In 2025, I’m challenging myself to embrace the ongoing practice of being a novice, starting with skate dance lessons—yes, roller skating. It’s not about perfection—it’s about continuous growth, creating fun, fostering curiosity, and reveling in the unexpected exhilaration and deep gratitude that come with uncovering untapped potential within.

What Will You Begin in 2025?

Where are you willing to embrace being a novice in the coming year? Let’s make 2025 the year we step into the unknown, uncover hidden strengths, and live in the joy and transformative power of being a beginner—again and again.