The Quiet Power Of Beginners Mindset
Doing something for the first time can be uncomfortable. Whether it be struggling to play the guitar, not getting on with a new software, or being clumsy with a new language. Most adults will have worked hard to avoid this feeling, by finding our roles which we are skilled and respected in, and therefore rarely surprised. However, embracing the beginner’s mindset can help us grow in some of the most meaningful ways. Learning a new skill isn’t just to tick off your resume, it is an intentional act to improve yourself.
Confidence Can Be Built
Sometimes confidence can seem like a trait that some people are lucky to be born with. However confidence is very much like a muscle that can be built. Psychologists refer to confidence as ‘self-efficacy’ – the belief that you can cope with a particular task or challenge. One of the best ways to build confidence is through ‘mastery experiences’. This is when you try and complete a challenging task and succeed (even partially). Every time you learn a new skill you gain another piece of evidence that shows that by putting in effort you will get results. The first time you successfully make bread rise, write a working line of code, or have a conversation in a language you couldn’t have spoken 6 months ago. Your internal narrative will begin to change. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this”, you will start to think, “I haven’t learnt this yet”.
This confidence will be long lasting because it is based on evidence. Whilst receiving praise can feel great, it doesn’t last. Knowing you have improved something you couldn’t do before will be much harder to ignore. You will have a personal benchmark that you can refer back to.
The Value Of Struggling
One of the most surprising things about building new skills is the value of struggling. Often people will give up on trying new things because they struggle. They will think they aren’t talented enough. However, learning researchers constantly find that struggling and practicing outside of your comfort zone will improve your skills. Feeling clumsy in the middle of learning something is a sign that you’re improving.
Learning to be comfortable with this will teach you many life lessons. You will learn that you can cope with uncomfortable situations, mistakes are just feedback, and that patience is a skill that builds up. People who regularly do this often become more emotionally resilient. When they face setbacks at work or in their relationships they won’t feel as defeated as they have had many experiences of going from confusion to clarity.
Improvement In All Areas Of Your Life
When you learn something new you often find that it helps you in other areas of your life too. Taking up public speaking will often make you more confident in general conversations. Learning to cook can make you more adventurous, patient and detailed in other areas. Learning to paint, code, swim or play an instrument will teach you transferable skills. These include concentration, curiosity, discipline and breaking down large goals.
You will also begin to see yourself differently. By saying you are learning something you are moving away from having a fixed mindset. Psychologists Carol Dweck famously talks about having a growth mindset. Those who believe that their skills can be developed will often look for challenges, persevere through obstacles and see effort as a route to mastery. Every time they learn a new skill they will reinforce this mindset. This will make them more open to change.
Improved Social And Professional Skills
Learning new skills will allow you to develop yourself within this world. Starting a new hobby will enable you to meet others who share the same interests as you do. This can be achieved by participating in running clubs, pottery lessons or through online forums. Such actions will ensure you don’t feel lonely and add meaning to your life. In this ever-changing economy, the ability to learn swiftly is considered among the most vital assets. New technologies are constantly being developed, while new roles and industries are being invented and re-invented. People who have been practicing learning will cope well as they know that learning is possible for whatever is required.
Growth in one particular aspect usually encourages growth in others. For example, an employee who successfully managed to master some complicated software will be more willing to take part in new projects. Parents who have learned a new craft along with their children will be showing them the curiosity of learning. Growth is contagious!
Getting Started
It is usually the hardest thing about learning something new to get started with. The only good way to do that is to start slowly. Allocate 15 minutes per day or 1 lesson per week or 1 practice session on Saturdays. Pick something that really interests you. You will stay motivated because your curiosity will push you to learn. Set realistic goals. For example, it can be completing your first song or paragraph. Enjoy every accomplishment.
Find supporters around you. They can be a tutor, study partner or an online community. It will help you stay motivated when you reach plateaus. Be gentle with yourself. There are no linear processes in the world of learning.
Conclusion
In general, learning a new skill is one of the easiest and most fruitful investments that you could make in yourself. It will definitely make you confident through giving you evidence, make you resilient by challenging you in a constructive way, and will have a positive attitude toward change. No matter whether you learn a new skill out of necessity or just for fun, it will be very rewarding on your journey. The next time you feel motivated to try something new, go for it! Being a beginner may not be easy, but being confident is for life.
