Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New

Driving through the middle of nowhere, I stumbled upon a quirky independent coffee roaster. Amidst the aroma, sounds, and the chill vibe, a sign in the roasting area caught my eye: “Be brave enough to suck at something new.” The phrase resonated with me. It is a rallying cry for the humble learner in all of us. It’s an invitation to embrace imperfection, to step outside our comfort zones, and to celebrate the messy, exhilarating journey of growth.

I remember the first time I tried oil pastels, intending to actually create something that could be called ‘art’. Nothing about my technique was sound. My hands trembled, my strokes were unsure, and the outcome was less a masterpiece and more a… well, let’s call it a mess. But here’s the thing—while the ‘painting ‘artwork’ didn’t turn out to be exhibit-worthy, the experience was incredibly liberating.

The Fear of Starting

We often wait for the ‘right’ moment to start something new—the perfect time when we magically have enough knowledge, skill, and confidence. But that moment rarely arrives. The fear of looking foolish can paralyze us, keeping us from taking that first step into unknown territories. My process is somewhat simple: Try something new. Fail. Decide later what I do about failure.

Embracing the Suck

There is something beautiful about the struggle in learning. When we embrace the initial suckiness of a new skill, we are actually opening doors to new worlds, new connections, and new experiences. I learned this through the hundreds of misshapen cookies, software bugs, and amateurish fiction writing.

“Embrace every mistake. Sucking at something is the first step to getting better at it.”

Hans Scharler

Each failed attempt and minor improvement was a stepping stone. In these moments of trying and failing, we truly stretch and grow. We build resilience. We learn that improvement is possible and perfection is not the goal—growth is.

The Joy of Learning

The real joy of learning comes not from mastery but discovery and dopamine. Each time you allow yourself to be a beginner, you learn not just about the new skill but also about yourself. You learn about your own patience, resilience, and capacity to adapt and overcome.

And sometimes, you’ll surprise yourself. You’ll find a hidden talent or a passion that lights you up. Other times, you’ll learn to appreciate the talents and skills of others much more.

Keep Trying New Things

So, what’s next on your list to suck at? Whatever it is, approach it with curiosity rather than judgment. Dive into it with the enthusiasm of a child—fearless, playful, and eager. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and everyone was once a beginner.

In a world that praises expertise and success, proudly being a novice can be a revolutionary act. After all, the learning journey is where all the fun and growth happens. Don’t deprive yourself of this joy because you’re scared to fail. Be brave, be bold, and be wonderfully bad at something new.