Embracing Beginner's Mind

During our childhood and early adult years, almost every experience we encounter is new. It's an era characterized by an endless stream of 'firsts,' a period of profound learning and discovery that lends a unique thrill to life.

Remember the exhilaration of riding a bicycle for the first time? The rush of triumph when the training wheels were finally removed? That’s the essence of the beginner's mind. My insatiable curiosity, which I talked about in a previous post, still craves that sense of discovery, that feeling of a fresh, new perspective.

However, as years go by, I've noticed a pervasive reluctance among adults to embrace the concept of a 'beginner's mind.' It's as though the beginner's mind becomes a relic constrained to the realm of youthful experimentation.

The reluctance can extend into even the most mundane aspects of our daily lives, from trying a new recipe to exploring a previously unvisited park. As we accumulate birthdays, the willingness to embody the beginner's mindset seems to fade.

Why might this be the case? A beginner's mind demands a readiness to acknowledge our ignorance on a given subject. For many adults, this is too uncomfortable to allow. We prefer to present ourselves, if not as experts, at least as competent. Publicly admitting we’re novices contradicts the self-image we've meticulously crafted.

This has been top of mind for me the last few years as I've engaged in new activities related to finally moving myself toward being a professional writer. When I’ve supported writers for so many years as a coach and editor, am I willing to publicly admit I don’t know everything about being a writer?

Soooo much to learn. I keep reminding myself that the writing/publishing industry is ever-evolving, the old models are falling apart, and subscriptions for authors is a concept still in its infancy, particularly for the genres I write.

Embracing "beginner's mind" is how we grow.

So, on podcast interviews and in other public venues, I’ve publicly admitted that I’m a novice at this... at what it takes to be a writer today who gets read. And for this exhilarating possibility, I’m willing--eager, even--to be a beginner.

Prompt: Reflect on a time when you resisted embracing the beginner's mind. Have you passed up

chances to participate in inspiring experiences, thrilling adventures, or simply plain fun escapades because of an aversion to being a beginner? What might have changed if you'd allowed yourself to be a novice?

This post first appeared on my Substack publication.