How to Be a Beginner (Possibly the most important thing you’ll read today! 😊)

Lin Dai, Unsplash

What language learning is teaching me about being a beginner (again).

As I coach others to earn online using the skills they already have, I’m also being coached myself—this time, in Spanish.

Different subjects. Same internal process.

Whether you’re learning how to pitch your services on a talent marketplace or how to make a doctor’s appointment in another language, the emotional experience is similar:

✔️ Feeling unsure of your capabilities

✔️ Questioning your intelligence

✔️ Wanting to be further along

✔️ Feeling embarrassed when you get it wrong

✔️ Joyous when something clicks

✔️ A desire to avoid the whole thing and quit

✔️ A longing to feel capable again

But here’s what I’ve come to understand:

🔥 Learning doesn’t have to be about “growing as a person.” Ugh. Not in the way we’re told.

🔥 It’s not about always becoming a better version of yourself, or leveling up, or unlocking your potential. Ugh again.

🔥 Being a beginner can be about staying human and being healthy. Choosing to learn at any age is one of the most human things we can do.

🔥 When we allow ourselves to be taught, we become more open, humble, and curious. We laugh more. Judge less. We start to replace pressure on ourselves with presence.

🔥 Learning makes you healthier—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Learning can lead to a longer life and greater joy. These are not feel-good platitudes. They’re practical outcomes.

So here’s what I’m practicing as a beginner (and coaching others to do too):

• Pamper your curiosity — feed it!

• Let yourself be a beginner, especially if you’re used to being the expert.

• Remember: learning paths differ, but the internal process is shared.

• Be perplexed instead of confused.

  • I’m perplexed, but that's okay: I don’t understand it yet, but I’m curious

    vs. Being confused: I don’t get it, and I don't like it.

• Laugh at yourself—it softens the edges.

• Don’t rush it. Slow is not broken.

• Don’t confuse discomfort with inability.

• And above all, stay the course. Don’t leave just because it’s uncomfortable.

Being a beginner isn’t a flaw. It’s not a weakness. It’s a gateway to staying engaged with your life—and enjoying it more.

Learning is worthy of celebration!

When learning, the rewards are deep, tangible, and real.

Want to find out more about earning online to supplement or subsidize the life you want while staying purposeful, engaged, and accomplished? Let's talk! ✌🏻💙