How are you when it comes to learning new skills? Do you love it, or feel you’re past it?
Prior to my birthday a few years ago: my husband asked what I wanted as a gift. I’ve never been the materialistic type – but I’ve always been a sucker for learning new skills.
I asked for a beginners book on sketching and all the trimmings that went along with it. I was no spring chicken at the time either ( I was at that bloody age where the health checks were flying through the door *weeps*)
Anyway. I was always under the impression that I was crap at drawing. Why? To be honest, I never really tried – and if drawing ever came up in conversations: “I can’t draw” was my automatic response.
How could I say that when I hadn’t physically sat down and gave it a good shot?
‘Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds can’t change anything‘
-George Bernard Shaw
In this life aren’t we quick to come to our own conclusions when it comes to our abilities? It’s what you call having a fixed mindset.
I thought at this stage in my life that was it. Come on now, a 40 + year old mama sketching for the first time. Who was I trying to be: Banksy?
Sharpening Those Pencils With a Growth Mindset
When I reached 40 I started to drum the quote ‘life begins at 40’ into me. That became my new daily affirmation.
I got my beginners book – and off I went like a happy out little child with her shiny new pencils!
For those first few weeks I practiced for an hour every single night (when my little girls were tucked up in bed) on technique, style, shading, hatching and so on (you’ll know those terms well if you’re into sketching).
I was building my confidence up with these new-found skills. And, my drawings improved over time. Of course I got frustrated – I’m only human and this was a new skill after all.
Patience. Is. Your. Friend.
Nurturing
During Covid I realised I was a creative person, and I started to nurture my creative side – whilst also working on my self-esteem.
What I’m trying to say is – you’re never too old to start something new, and it can be absolutely anything.
It all comes down to your mindset and what you feed yourself mentally. It’s like therapy. If you go in with a mindset that it won’t work: then it sure as hell won’t. However, when you go in with an open mind and give it your all – it’s a great feckin start.
• Have a think about something you always wanted to try
• What is stopping you?
• What is making you feel this way?
• How can you make your self talk kinder?
• What are your values/beliefs?
If you have an urge to try something new. Go for it.
Maybe you want to start a new course. You might want to learn a musical instrument, to swim, drive or to be the next David Bailey! Whatever it is – as long as you give yourself time, then you can do anything.
Fear is always the culprit that stops us from following our hearts. Plus, worrying about what others think is a big one too.
Focus on you.
Sharpen those pencils, and write that next beautiful chapter to your own story. Life’s too bloody short.
Believe in yourself.
Thank you for checking out my article and do comment and share your own story of trying out new skills.
Bernie Egerton Coaching 