"Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New" Anonymous
I saw this quote on someone’s water bottle in my yoga class last week, and it struck a chord. "Be brave enough to suck at something new." The words resonated because recently, I put myself out there and tried something challenging, something I wasn’t good at – and let me tell you, I wasn’t just bad; I sucked! But that’s the thing: I could have taken the safe route and not tried at all. Instead, I chose to show up, publicly, flaws and all.
Confession time: the activity itself isn’t entirely new. I’ve been taking piano lessons for three years now. Every week, I work hard, practice diligently, and still… well, let’s just say I'm a long way from a concert pianist! But recently, I took a brave step out of my comfort zone and played in public – for only the second time.
The occasion? My sister Ann’s 40th wedding anniversary. She’d asked me to play two songs, and although my first instinct was to get out of it, I remembered this celebration was hers. If hearing me play was what she wanted, then I was going to perform.
Of course, things didn’t go as planned. Travel issues left me arriving just in time but still dressed in my yoga pants, t-shirt, and sneakers, while everyone else was decked out for the special occasion. And the piano? A digital one, with fewer keys than I was used to, which completely threw me off. I stumbled through the first song, and after I finished, I asked my nephew, who was emceeing, if I should go on. With a straight face, he said, "No, that’s okay." But I wasn’t backing down – I’d come this far! I played the second piece, and while it went smoother than the first, it wasn’t quite the performance I’d envisioned.
Afterward, I reflected on how nerves got the best of me. Playing the piano in public is clearly something I’ll have to practice to get more comfortable with. But if you’re facing your own anxiety – whether it's performing in public or tackling a daunting new task – here are four tips to help you navigate those nerve-wracking moments:
Embrace Imperfection
Give yourself permission to be imperfect. Not everything has to be perfect the first time – or even the second or third. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Remember, each attempt, no matter how messy, is a step forward.
Breathe and Ground Yourself
When anxiety kicks in, focus on your breath. Try a simple grounding exercise: inhale deeply for four counts, hold, and exhale for four counts. This technique can calm your mind and help you feel centered, making it easier to refocus on the task.
Visualize Success
Picture yourself successfully completing your task. Visualization helps you mentally prepare and builds confidence. Imagine how you’ll feel once it’s done – calm, capable, and proud. Revisit this mental image anytime your nerves start to flare up.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Anxiety can be tough, but so are you. Remind yourself that everyone feels nervous at times, and being brave enough to show up, even when you’re uncertain, is something to be proud of.
Trying something new and challenging isn’t easy, but each time we put ourselves out there, we grow a little more. So the next time you’re faced with a scary, unfamiliar task, go ahead – be brave enough to suck at it. You'll thank yourself for trying.
Lou
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