Hot Girl Health

I’ve noticed a trend amongst a lot of adults that I know.  They are scared to try.  Being perceived embarrasses them so severely, they’re stuck in a self-made bubble. The thought of “looking bad” or not being good at something is enough to stop them in their tracks.  Instead of doing something first and then coming to the conclusion “this isn’t for me,” they won’t even take that first step, instead choosing to psyche themselves out in their head.  It’s like for them, it’s almost too humbling an experience to be seen as “not good.”

Honestly, this bothers me.  It’s a very ego driven way to be.  As a self admitted perfectionist, this is a sure way to hold yourself back.  It’s a mindset that spreads until it applies not only to small things that you want to do, but bigger life decisions. Even if the intial fear is derived from embarrassment instead of cockiness, it still is from the ego. 

I personally think trying is cool, effort shows character, and wanting to do something new is refreshing.  I have a “so what?” attitude when it comes to being a “clumsy/not good” beginner, but not because I don’t feel fear or awkwardness, rather it’s because I don’t believe in letting those emotions stop me from having new experiences or doing what I want to do.  I have friends that won’t even try new foods (and not anything “crazy” either) just because they’ve conceptualized in their mind that it tastes bad.  But if you don’t taste it, how do you know?  How can you widen your palate without the scary confrontation?  It’s hard for anyone to step out of their comfort zone, but without experiencing things you will be stuck there forever.  Now some people are okay with that too, but I think a healthy part of life is evolving, and the main way to do that is to get out of your own way.

I want to explain why there is beauty in trying even if you think you can’t do it or will “look dumb.”  

First, to be an expert at something, you have to start as a beginner.  Whenever you try a new hobby, like a sport or instrument, there will always be someone who has been doing said thing since they were too young to even remember or people that you think it comes “effortlessly” to. But again, so what?  There’s no timeline on your life, and if there is one, it’s usually self imposed.  Rather than waiting for destiny to be thrust upon you or being sad that it wasn’t, give it to yourself.  You might not become an olympian or a rockstar at 40 (or maybe you will), but that doesn’t mean you can’t just have fun and grant yourself wish fulfillment.  And if you try it and don’t like it, at least there will be no what ifs.  What ifs are more detrimental than failing, because wondering for the rest of your life what it would be like to do something, sounds more tortuous than just seeing for yourself.  At least you gave yourself the opportunity.  No matter the outcome, that will feel good in itself.

Second, improvement is satisfying.  Most people are embarrassed or demotivated until they actually start seeing results.  I see this heavily with things like working out or anything you wish you could do once and have instant tangible results.  It’s frustrating, hard, energy draining, time consuming, but once you see some muscle or your clothes fit better, suddenly you have the time, energy, and most importantly desire for it.  This mindset goes for almost anything.  Once you get that first sign, it’s usually a huge boost.  Depending on said thing, 2 months, 6 months, or even a year of trying can show you a lot about yourself.  Maybe by the end of it you’ll have found your rhythm or you’ve pivoted to something else. But the improvement started with the mindset of you wanting to better yourself, which is the first step to getting the life you want.

The real point of trying is to not let shame or preconceived notions hold you back.  Everything unknown is scary.  But giving up before you start is worse than trying and failing. Most importantly don’t get stuck with what ifs that live and die within your control.  Be smart and intentional with your actions and your future and things will land where they are supposed to.

Thank you for reading!!!!