How to start something new

When was the last time you SUCKED at something?

I can tell you about MY experience….

You see…..I’m deathly afraid of heights. And I had this brilliant idea to try rock climbing.

I really wanted to try something different, and challenge my body in a new way, outside of the gym. 

I asked myself: “How bad could it be?” You’re strapped into a harness - everything will be fine!

Once I got all the gear on, I started scaling the rock wall…and somehow, I made it all the way to the top! (mind you, there was a lot of trial and error….it’s so much harder than it looks).⁣

However, as soon as I looked DOWN, I realized I somehow needed to get myself to the bottom….and I froze with panic. ⁣

“Just push yourself off the rock, and rappel down!” said my friend.

Ya right.

I closed my eyes, and kept telling myself “I’ve got this” while slithering down the rock wall, like a slug. 

So. Embarrassing.

Moral of the story?

Anytime you start something new, it’s going to feel foreign. It may feel hard. And you will very likely suck at it. ⁣

But that is the beauty of it. In fact, when you try something new:

You become more confident
When you experience success outside of your comfort zone, your confidence grows, and you realize you have more potential than you initially thought.

You become more curious
As you explore new ideas and learn new skills, your curiosity will skyrocket, and make you crave MORE new experiences. 

You become more creative
It’s hard to be creative when you’re always doing the same thing, over and over again. New experiences will open up new pathways in your brain, and allow you to see things from a new perspective. 

Your focus improves
Ever notice how your mind wanders when you do something familiar? Trying something new can grab your FULL attention, and stimulate your mind. 

Your social circle grows
When you try something new, you get a chance to meet other like-minded people who share your interest. And hey….meaning friendships are priceless, right? 

OK, so trying something new is definitely worth your while. And if “strength training” is something you’re thinking about trying….you can ALSO add a host of health benefits to the list.  

But how do you get yourself to take action? Here are my top 3 tips to help you “get started”:

1. Be willing to accept failure
More often than not, it is fear of FAILURE that holds people back from starting something new. But the reality is…failure is part of the process. In the face of obstacles, try saying: “I can’t do this YET” instead of “I can’t do this.” Progress…not perfection. 

2. Go at your own pace
Try not to focus on how what other people are doing….and instead, use your own #gains as a measuring stick. If you’re learning new things and having fun, you’re winning! Even if, in the end, the result doesn’t resemble a typical success.

3. Celebrate small wins
Give yourself a high-five for having the courage to start something new. Praise yourself for the improvements you make. And give yourself a pat on the back for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. 

When you start something new, there is going to be a lot of trial and error…..and you may get frustrated at times. But remember to give yourself some grace as you learn to navigate this journey. You’re only human!

Curious about working with a Strength Coach to help you navigate a NEW experience at the gym? Reach out, and book a 15-minute No Sweat Intro Call! I’d love to chat!