At a recent appointment with my foot surgeon, he mentioned that I might give biking a try (he doesn’t want me running anymore).
“Um, okay – why not?”
It’s been well over 10 years, maybe closer to 20 since I last rode a bike – and to be honest, I wasn’t very good at it then.
I totally sucked on my first ride – in a hilarious kind of way. Every time I would get to a tight turn, I’d wind up off the trail. I was afraid to hop down curbs and my hands formed a death grip around the handle bars at all times.
It was like being seven all over again.
Two nights ago, the hubby and I set off for my 5th ride. I made the turns, rode down the curb and let go with one hand so I could grab a drink.
Starting something new isn’t easy.
Being willing to suck at it means you’re trying. That you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.
Sucking is the only way to learn and get better.
I remember going through Weight Loss Coach Training and hearing my mentor, the extraordinary Brooke Castillo, endlessly remind us to be willing to do a terrible job. To stop comparing our beginning to other people’s middle or end. That even the most revered and successful coaches were once beginners who sucked at it.
During class we had to post recordings of our coaching sessions to a public forum. They were listened to by our classmates and some seasoned coaches. Feedback was given – lots of feedback.
A few coaches let this mess with their heads and refused to post any calls. These would-be coaches didn’t learn, didn’t improve and didn’t get certified. While I wasn’t exactly thrilled about posting my calls, I simply replayed the thought – be willing to suck at it Robyn – over and over in my head.
And now I don’t suck. In fact, I’m a pretty darn effective coach with a growing business. But I’m still learning – every single day.
If I wasn’t willing to suck, I wouldn’t be here now.
I wouldn’t have my own coaching practice.
I wouldn’t be getting paid to do work that I absolutely adore.
I wouldn’t be getting better at biking – or cooking.
What might you be good at now if you were willing to suck at first?
This weekend I’ll hop back on my bike and I’ll suck a little less than last time. And one day, when I’m a proficient mountain biker, I’m sure I’ll be sucking at something else – like playing guitar or speaking Icelandic (yep, it’s on my “to suck at” list).
Don’t let being a beginner stop you. Start, suck at it – and keep going.
Hafðu það gott (have a nice day)
Robyn Spurr is a Certified Health Coach, Weight Loss Coach, Personal Trainer and founder of Chickadee Weight Loss. She helps women reach their healthy, natural weight and stay there without all the diet craziness.
For more information on Weight Loss Coaching, click here.