020 want to start a new hobby but are scared?
Often, I hear from clients about their curiosity or desire to start a new hobby, yet they feel intimidated by the prospect. Beginning something new can be daunting, especially as a beginner. Feelings of nervousness, embarrassment, or insecurity often surface as you step into unfamiliar territory. Embracing a beginner's mindset can be one of the most empowering shifts you can make!
We sometimes find ourselves comparing our 'first chapter' to someone else’s 'tenth chapter,' which isn’t fair to either person. It’s not fair to you because it prevents you from allowing yourself the grace to be imperfect and make mistakes as you learn. And it isn’t fair to the other person, as it may overlook the years of dedication they’ve invested.
Instead, let’s focus on adopting new, empowering mindsets as we navigate these feelings and dive into the learning process. This shift can make a world of difference in your journey of growth and self-discovery!
Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset
This mindset is about accepting that everyone has to start somewhere. No one is born an expert. Allow yourself to enjoy the process of discovering your own journey through the hobby, rather than aiming for instant perfection. This approach gives you the space to learn, grow, make mistakes, and try something new without the pressure to master it right away.
Focus on the Fun
Shift the goal of the hobby from achieving perfection to simply enjoying the process. Hobbies are meant to be enjoyed, to help you relax, or to express your creativity. Take the pressure off yourself by focusing on having fun rather than trying to impress others or do everything perfectly. There’s often pressure to commodify our hobbies, to turn them into a side job. Unlearning this mindset can help you let go of the need to produce something 'good enough' to sell. Remember, no one is watching or judging your work.
Practice Self-Compassion
When starting a new hobby, be kind to yourself. If feelings of embarrassment begin to creep up, recognize that this voice is coming from your inner critic, who might be saying you ‘should’ already be good or judging you for making mistakes. Quiet that voice through self-compassion by reminding yourself that mistakes are part of learning. Embrace the vulnerability of being new, and remember: hobbies are meant to be fun!
Focus on Growth Over Perfection
Viewing mistakes or awkward moments as opportunities for growth can be incredibly empowering. Changing the perspective from needing to be perfect to focusing on learning and growing can alleviate a lot of self-imposed pressure. Over time, this consistency will strengthen your growth mindset. As you keep going, you’ll see progress and be glad you didn’t quit early.
Adopting these mindsets can help transform feelings of embarrassment into empowerment, encouraging you to embrace the challenges of learning with grace and patience. So, what new hobby are you curious to try?
