Embracing the Learning Curves of Life
When you start anything new, you're not going to be great right away. Don't shoot the messenger, but it's true.
I think back to when I taught my first meditation class in 2016. Sweating profusely, tripping over my words, very much in my head and feeling super self-conscious… I was far, far, FAR from great. But that was the beginning of my journey. And 8 years and thousands of meditation classes later, the wisdom, fluency and expertise that I’ve gained as a teacher is not in spite of that rocky start, but rather because of it.
Because when you choose to step outside your comfort zone to do anything new, you're guaranteed to make mistakes and flounder for a while. Beginner's luck aside, there is a steep learning curve for all of us that necessarily moves us away from comfort, our wheelhouse, our security and what we know we know. And while it's certainly challenging and humbling and can make us feel vulnerable, it can also be a prime opportunity for rebirth, growth and reaching the next level of who we were created to be if we choose to see it that way.
Think of anyone you look up to. Any one. How did they get to be that way and do what they do so smoothly, gracefully, and confidently? They didn’t give up after their rocky starts. They messed up and made mistakes, often a lot of them, and they learned from them. They surrendered to the fact that they don’t know it all. They fell down and got back up again. And they followed through on that learning curve that started right outside their comfort zone.
They challenged the illusion that they should hide from from the circumstances and situations that highlighted their fears, weaknesses, blind spots and imperfections. And as a result, they initiated their own journey from conscious incompetence - and being well aware of everything they didn't know & couldn't do - to unconscious competence - and attaining a level of mastery, self-knowledge, and expertise that became so natural and integrated into who they are that you’d think they were good at it all their lives. But ask any of them and they’ll tell you they weren’t. For when you start anything new, whether it’s a new skill, a new job, a new relationship or a new chapter of life, you won’t be good either. Not for a while.
And that’s okay.
So remember that. Stepping outside of your comfort zone isn’t easy and it will push your buttons. But it will also be where you’ll discover your hidden gifts, your unique essence, your purpose, and the magic of what makes you truly one of a kind. So if you want to express your full potential in a way that brings joy, inspiration and positivity to our world, do your best to not be afraid. Trust the learning curve, trust yourself and trust the journey towards growing into your greatness.
