Courage to be a Novice

nov·ice
/ˈnävəs/
noun

a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation.

Have you ever felt inspired to try something new, but the thought of trying caused you anxiety? If you answered yes, you are being honest with yourself, and you're in good company because most of us feel that way! Not all anxiety is wrong or needs to be alleviated. The anxiety you may feel when considering trying something new can be your mind and body's way of preparing you. By definition, taking risks exposes you to uncertainty, which humans notoriously do not like! In a world that often glorifies expertise and mastery, a quiet yet profound courage exists in being a novice. The journey of embracing one's novice status is an ode to the spirit of creativity — a force that flourishes in the soil of vulnerability and openness. In this blog post, let's explore the courage it takes to be a novice and why it's a vital step toward unlocking the transformative power of creativity. Whether the new thing you want to do is actually dangerous or just something you don't have any experience with, you must be courageous to take that first step into the unknown. You need the courage to be bad at something to develop the skills that will make you stand out as exceptional down the road. In a society as competitive as the one we have created in the United States, showing up as a novice can be downright intimidating. So next time you see someone struggling to learn a new skill, cheer them on. And when you take that brave step into the unknown to try something new, remember that you will need to work hard, and you may get discouraged or feel disappointed at times, but that's okay. The joy is usually found in being present during the process and celebrating our improvement over time. Whether you want to build a new creative skill or challenge your physical limits in an unexplored athletic interest, remember to be patient and have fun!

The Novice's Journey:

1. Embracing the Unknown: Being a novice is akin to standing at the edge of uncharted territory. It requires the courage to step into the unknown, confront the discomfort of uncertainty, and recognize that growth often unfolds in a space just beyond our comfort zones.

2. Permission to Learn: Novices permit themselves to learn, unburdened by the weight of immediate perfection. In a society that often values expertise, acknowledging our novice status is a radical act of self-compassion, allowing the freedom to make mistakes and the space to evolve.

3. Cultivating a Beginner's Mindset: The beauty of being a novice lies in approaching each experience with a beginner's mindset — a mindset unclouded by preconceptions, where curiosity thrives and innovation blossoms. This openness to learning becomes a powerful catalyst for creativity.

The Dance Between Courage and Creativity:

1. Courage Fuels Creative Exploration: Creativity flourishes in the soil of courage. The courage to experiment, fail, and persevere through the uncertainties of the creative process propels ideas from the realm of imagination into tangible expressions.

2. Breaking the Chains of Perfectionism: The novice understands that perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. By embracing imperfections and valuing the process over the outcome, novices break free from the limitations that stifle creative expression.

3. Innovation Springs from Novice Minds: Some of history's most groundbreaking innovations have emerged from the minds of novices unafraid to challenge the status quo. The willingness to approach problems with fresh eyes and unbridled enthusiasm often leads to unexpected and brilliant solutions.

Cultivating Creativity in Everyday Life:

1. Creative Practices for Novices: Novices should engage in daily creative practices. Whether journaling, doodling, or experimenting with a new recipe, these activities foster a habit of creative thinking and contribute to a lifelong learning journey.

2. Community and Collaboration: Novices thrive in supportive communities that value shared learning and collaboration. Creating spaces where novices can exchange ideas, seek feedback, and celebrate progress fosters a sense of belonging and encourages sustained creativity.

Being a novice is not a testament to inexperience; instead, it is a declaration of courage and an invitation to unlock the boundless potential within each of us. In embracing our novice status, we open the door to creativity and embark on a transformative journey where the courage to learn becomes the brushstroke that paints the canvas of our lives. Let us celebrate the novice within and recognize that the most beautiful masterpieces often begin with the daring strokes of a beginner.