How to encourage yourself when you are trying something new?
New is so much fun and exciting but not knowing how it will turn out or how to do it can be a huge reason many people stop before they get into it. Learning curves are a difficult obstacle for many which is why a lot of people don’t play video games. Certain video games are intimidating because of the sheer intensity and hand eye coordination and the like. Another huge turn off to something new can be the amount of work and time you have to put into something. You made the decision to start this new journey but then as soon as you catch a glimpse of how much effort you have to apply that is when you give up. So how can we encourage ourselves to move past the excitement stage of something new and keep going?
Consistency.
This is when you keep steadfast and true to something. Consistency is the number 1 tool you should have in your toolbox. With it you see overnight successes, meaning that those who chose to stick with something appear as if out of nowhere they became this success overnight. Consistency is the successful’s secret weapon, why? Because when you apply yourself to something over and over and over for months, years, decades it becomes second nature. It gets better everyday, more refined, more energized and that keeps the momentum going.
2. Try it anyways.
The just 1 more rule. If you are intimidated, scared, unsure, do it anyways. Teach yourself to get comfortable being uncomfortable. It doesn’t mean you lose the fear or intimidation, it just means that you don’t care about that story holding you back. This is how courage is applied by trying it anyways. You aren’t born with courage, you live it by just doing it. This is how you get past the first hurdles and once you get past those that is when the fear becomes much less.
3. Do it with a buddy
If you can’t bring yourself to try it anyways then grab a buddy who wants to try it as well. Having a partner in crime will not only hold you accountable but it will also give you a safety net, playful competition, and fun. When we need that extra push because that awkwardness is holding you back that is when bringing a friend in will make it so much easier.
4. Research it.
If you are intimidated, afraid, nervous, awkward or whatever then research the task at hand. Gain a general knowledge of it so that way you can understand, somewhat, what to expect. Why do you think mothers to be read all the books, ask friends with babies, watch videos? Because knowledge is power and sure it doesn’t beat out experience but it does help get your mindset right when tackling it.
5. Do a little at a time.
If you are starting and you can’t go ham like you want then take small chunks instead. If you are trying a class then pull back in intensity. Give yourself time to feel out and get use to your surroundings, how your body works in the space, your coordination, your understanding of the subject matter. A little goes a long way so do it one step at a time instead of looking at the giant picture.
6. Make it a positive
When you go into it make it a positive rather than focusing on all the negative. Every time that fear creeps in and wants you to give up focus on the reasons why it’s going to be great rather than allowing that negative mindset sway you from something new. It’s like the reward over punishment systems, rewards beat out punishment any day of the week. Give yourself a reward for following through with it, whether it be a nice self care day in a tub with a good book or a small trinket. (TRINKETS!) Positive self talk your way into doing it and then self talk some more while. We run from scary and mean, that will only dis sway you from following through.
7. Don’t think about it.
Before going don’t think about going. Don’t think about the time, the work, the effort, any of it. Focus on being present with other things because if you think about it before your more likely to psyche yourself out of doing it. You will make up a story about not having time, energy, or some other excuse for why you can’t do it. Worrying is the mother of all fuck ups, it sucks your energy, makes you fear and only causes drama in your head. If you can focus on right now rather than the future you will have a much easier time completing it.
8. Set a time for it.
In order to do it and follow through you need to make it a priority and the biggest way to do that is put it in your schedule at a regularly scheduled time. When you put it in your calendar you are more likely to follow through than if you just say yea I’m going to go at 4. Until this has become part of your regular routine you need to make it a priority by scheduling that time for it. Once it becomes a habit (usually 30 days to form a new habit.) then you may not need to put it on the schedule because it becomes second nature. But until you have that level of commitment then put it on your agenda!
9. Commit
Plan and simple. Either you are in or you are out. There is no between here. Decisions are black and white, the drama you give them is the grey area. So do you want to stay in the grey area, the some day area, the leading on area, the bullshit area? Or do you want to make firm decisions based on your priorities. It’s okay to say no this isn’t for me, or not do something. Get comfortable saying yes and no, commit!
10. Understand your emotions.
Emotions can lead us to pull back, give up, follow through, be afraid and more. Get use to them, understand them and learn how to shift your mentality to realize YOU ARE NOT YOUR EMOTIONS! You get to control them not the other way around. When you start feeling afraid lean into it and find out what is causing this feeling to arise. By understanding what is causing the mental noise you will learn how to move past it and be in control of you!
11. Hire a coach.
Maybe you need help starting something new. That’s okay we all need help. I suggest finding a coach that specializes in your exact needs. Depending on what it is you are trying to do there are plenty of coaches out there to help you succeed. Having a mentor allows for you to have someone in your corner, teach you what you need to do, ask all the questions and more. Coaches are amazing allies who will help you succeed, you just need to follow through and apply the effort.
New things are fun and exciting. Everyone gets exciting about the day dreams, the possibilities and the fun but so many can’t follow through to get there. I’ve given you some tips in order to get you started when tackling something new but it is up to you in order to do them. The biggest tip #12 is NO ONE WILL DO THE WORK FOR YOU! You have to do it in order to see results, gain success and to get ahead. Don’t let tiny roadblocks become these huge mountains. Change your mindset and realize everything is figureoutable!!
Share with me some tips you like to use when starting something new! The more we can share and help one another to grow the better our society and race becomes.
Today was a 10!