How to Be New at Something

We all have those moments when we feel a gentle nudge in our hearts, a calling to something new. Maybe it's a desire to hit the gym, join a church group, embark on a new journey, or even start a business.

Perhaps the new season is thrown at us, without our permission. We have to start a new job. Motherhood or empty-nesting snuck up on us. In a world dominated by over-the-top positivity, I've been thinking alot lately about how we truly embrace the experience of being a newbie, which is often filled with not easy, not positive feelings and moments. 

I can vividly recall all the times I started a new job. Having always left a job where I was a seasoned veteran, I can recall feeling like such a fool for weeks if not months at my new position. Asking questions about the smallest things. Not understanding the culture or protocols yet. Making suggestions or mistakes that seemed laughable to others.

Once I felt competent and valued. How quickly I didn't.

Being new is vulnerable. It's uncomfortable. It's risky. And because it's all those things I think many of us avoid it. 

In this post, I want to share a few tips on how to be new at something - along with a different perspective, one that encourages you to accept the discomfort that comes with being new and to find the beauty in it, to free you up to expand your life as God leads. 

A New Perspective on Being New

The prevailing messages in our society today are all about over-positivity, self-affirmation, and manifesting success. Sounds nice but let's be honest, that's not reality. I'm not saying all of life has to be hard, but the fact remains that venturing into new territory where there will be things you don't know is really when growth happens. It's how we level up in life. It's how we grow. It's how we often learn the fastest. 

Life is a journey of continuous growth and change. Comfort zones are safe, but they can also be limiting. To truly grow, we must step out of our comfort zone, which can be more than uncomfortable, it can even go all the way to embarrassing.

But friends, these moments are part of the journey. We don't have to convince ourselves that we're already an expert, or avoid looking silly. We can truly just embrace that we are new and we are learning. This radiates confidence, inspires others, and ensures that we aren't the woman who dies with a list of "should haves."

Being new is brave. Be proud of yourself for having the courage. 

How to Be New at Something

First, it's essential to acknowledge that being inexperienced doesn't diminish your value. Your worth remains intact, regardless of your level of expertise in a particular field. Sometimes, the world or people in it might try to make you feel otherwise, but their opinions do not define your identity nor should we have to let them define your path. As I often say, there has to be a place inside of you that nothing can touch. A place that hears God call you Daughter, Mine, Beloved, Chosen. That place, that knowing, can not be touched by works - not when you are killing it or failing. Your worth stands alone because it's rooted in who God thinks you are. Not what you do. 

Second, surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you in your journey. People who truly matter in your life will extend grace to you as you venture into something new. They remember what it was like to be a beginner, and they won't mock you or belittle your efforts. Make sure that the company you keep are confident people in their own right, not people who make you feel like you shouldn't try, or can't do it. There are alot of negative people in the world. No newbie has time for that kind of this!

Also, a major bonus if these people are people you can ask for HELP! Advice, assistance, prayer. Your rate of learning will be in direct proportion to your willingness to admit that you don't know what you are doing (and then asking someone who does!) 

Third, instead of trying to eliminate fear and self-doubt, acknowledge them as part of the process. Remember, being new at something is both humbling and hopeful. It's a testament to your willingness to step into the unknown and grow. Think back to when you were a freshman, a new mom, or faced a similar challenge. You felt all of those feelings of insecurity and you survived. You figured it out as you went. The same will happen again! when negative or self-defeating thoughts pop into your head, speak the life and encouragement to yourself. I am learning. I am getting better. I can ask for help. Soon I will be good at this. 

The Warp-Up

Friend, if you are feeling a nudge to try something new I encourage you to spend time in prayer, seeking God's guidance for the path ahead. Don't be influenced by what others are doing or even caught up in what used to be.

Focus on what God has put in front of you and thank Him for giving you a chance to be new again. When we embrace being new, step into the discomfort, and relish the beauty of growth we get the incredible opportunity for obedience, transformation, trust, and self-discovery.

We get to be alive in a new way and we get to find new wisdom all over again. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 says, "If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise."