‘I wish I could do that!’ ‘I could never do that.’ ‘One day I would like to try that’.

What is your ‘that?’ And what is holding you back from trying it? 

I had been talking about starting an Aikido class for a couple of years now. But, I kept managing to talk myself out of it. What about the gradings? I can’t do a backwards roll. What if I don’t understand and I look like an idiot?  

Then, I had an epiphany, not only about Aikido but about life. I had spent too much time focusing on what I couldn’t do, and not enough time on what I could do. So what could I do? I could simply show up and give it a go. Isn’t it better to try something and fail, than not try at all and be left wondering ‘what if’? 

Nobody wants to feel embarrassed. But, worrying too much about what other people may think of you, can stop you from living the life you want to live. 

I love this quote from Rachel Hollis;

“You’re afraid that you’ll suck because you’ve never done it before.

Let me relieve you of this fear right now. You are going to suck. All beginners do.”

My first Aikido class was nerve-racking, luckily I am married to a black belt, so he was there to help me in my awkwardness. I think they went easy on me as it was my first time.

My second class was a baptism of fire. I was humbled, frustrated and flustered. But, I still showed up the following week for class number three. And I will continue to show up because I am loving the challenge. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone makes you feel alive. The nervous energy keeps your mind sharp. Trying something new keeps life interesting, and as you master new skills, it boosts your confidence. 

It’s okay to be a total novice, you don’t have to have everything worked out before you start. In fact, there is actually a lot of freedom in being a beginner. Nobody really expects too much of you, so the pressure is off. 

So what is it that you have always wanted to do? Join a dance class or learn a new language, run 10km’s or start a course? Don’t let the thought of failure discourage you, instead, see failure as part of the learning process. 

Have the courage to go 

Where you have never gone,

Have the courage to do

What you have never done,

Have the courage to leave

The familiar for the unfamiliar.

– Christine Caine