This winter, I am working part-time as a ski instructor. Most of the time, I teach kids who have never ever skied before. Additionally, I am in an on-mountain weekly class of adults where I learn more about teaching skiing while also improving my own skiing. These experiences have made me think a lot about what we can learn from allowing ourselves the space to be beginners again. 

Almost all the kids I have coached this season have tackled learning to ski with bravery, grace, and humor. They laugh when they fall down, or their skis come off, and simply get back up and try again. They attempt all drills without expecting perfection. They are willing to try and try again without frustration, even when it is hard. To be fair and fully transparent, generous amounts of gummy bears may help motivate them, too. The kids seem totally okay with not being experts right away. They are perfectly fine living with the steep, messy learning curve of beginning to ski, and it is amazing to watch.

In contrast, when I am trying new skills in my weekly skiing class, I am not always as comfortable with the learning process as the kids are. I want to master a new skill on the first try. Sometimes I am not patient with myself as I work through the drills. Lately, when I feel my ego creeping in, I try to approach my learning as my students would. I laugh at myself when it’s not perfect, and often it isn’t perfect. I am not a beginner skier, but I can certainly adopt a beginner mindset as I improve my skiing skills. When I really allow myself the room to learn, in the absence of my ego and expectation, I can really grow. I am a better listener and can more easily incorporate new skills into my skiing. 

Learning something new can be exciting and fulfilling, but it can also be hard and scary. However, there is great value in being a beginner again. It reminds us to embrace a growth mindset, looking at ourselves and the world with humility, curiosity, and openness. It can help us let go of ego and really find opportunities to explore and grow.  As competent, experienced adults, it can be challenging to embrace being a novice or beginner again. Adopting a child’s approach to learning new things can teach us resilience, even in the face of failure, by fostering curiosity, patience, and persistence. It can also help us let go of judgment and perfectionistic expectations.

As I discussed in a previous blog, just starting is the crucial step. Remember that every expert was once a novice. But starting requires a healthy dose of bravery. To be a beginner again, we need to be present in the moment and accept that there will likely be some discomfort along the learning path. A bit of discomfort and frustration is a normal part of the learning process and should be expected. Failures should be seen as opportunities for growth, refinement, and learning. Focus on your why to keep going. We can begin again by adopting a sense of wonder, a desire to learn, and a simple enjoyment of the process.  Admitting what we don’t know and being open to guidance can also help us be more productive in our learning.

I find it useful to think about the Learning Zone Model when approaching a new learning task. This concept by Tom Senninger offers a three-part framework for learning: the Comfort Zone, the Learning Zone, and the Panic Zone. These three concentric zones illustrate that to learn, we must be willing to move out of our comfort zones and let go of the familiar routine, but not so much that we get totally overwhelmed. There is a sweet spot for optimal learning, whether you are a beginner or an expert who is adding or honing skills. If we remain too comfortable, no learning occurs because it is too easy and safe. If we push too far, however, no learning occurs because there is too much stress, anxiety, and fear. The middle path, or learning zone, should stretch us beyond our comfort zone without entering the panic zone. Learning here should feel challenging and perhaps somewhat uncomfortable, but still manageable.

I encourage you to try learning something new. Embrace the newness of being a beginner with humility, grace, and humor. Allow yourself the space to fail and try again.  Be comfortable with not being an expert. I promise you will be richer for the experience of being a beginner again. You will build confidence, curiosity, and resilience within yourself. And along the way, you might have fun too.