Sometimes, life gets in the way.
These last few months have yet again been a whirlwind, and while I’m thankful for every minute of it, some well-intentioned projects linger and languish. I’ve been thinking about posting again for a while, and today I’m feeling inspired to do exactly that! However, rather than something unique, I’m sharing a powerful idea that is worth re-reading daily – I’m posting it here so I can easily find it 🙂
The Beginners Creed was written by Peter J. Denning, who explained its origin in this article. It’s an excellent reminder that we are often our own ‘worst enemy’ when it comes to learning – and as long as we keep this in mind, we can intentionally overcome the self-limitations that our ego silently creates:
The Beginners Creed
I am a beginner.
- I am entering a new game about which I know nothing.
- I do not yet know how to move in this game.
- I see many other people playing in this game now.
- This game has gone on for many years prior to my arrival.
- I am a new recruit arriving here for the first time.
- I see value to me in learning to navigate in this domain.
There is much for me to learn:
- The basic terminology
- The basic rules
- The basic moves of action
- The basic strategies
While I am learning these things I may feel various negative reactions:
- Overwhelmed at how much there is to learn
- Insecure that I do not know what to do
- Inadequate that I lack the capacity to do this
- Frustrated and discouraged that my progress is so slow
- Angry that I have been given insufficient guidance
- Anxious that I will never perform up to expectations on which my career depends
- Embarrassed that everyone can see my mistakes
But these moods are part of being a beginner. It does not serve my goal and ambition to dwell in them. Instead,
- If I make a mistake, I will ask what lesson does this teach.
- If I make a discovery, I will celebrate my aha! moment.
- If I feel alone, I will remember that I have many friends ready to help.
- If I am stuck, I will ask for help from my teachers.
Over time, I will make fewer mistakes.
- I will gain confidence in my abilities.
- I will need less guidance from my teachers and friends.
- I will gain familiarity with the game.
- I will be able to have intelligent conversations with others in the game.
I will not cause breakdowns for promises that I lack the competence to keep.
I have an ambition to become competent, perhaps even proficient or expert in this game.
But for now, I am a beginner.
By Peter J. Denning
https://cacm.acm.org/magazines/2017/7/218869-the-beginners-creed/