The Power of Being a Beginner

Being a beginner isn’t easy—it’s humbling, messy, and sometimes frustrating. But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences we can have. In this episode, I share my personal goal of learning to juggle a soccer ball and reaching 100 juggles in a row by the end of the year. Along the way, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for what beginners go through: the mental toughness to push past frustration, the courage to not compare myself to others, and the power of small, consistent efforts.

Whether you’re thinking about starting something new or just need a reminder that it’s okay to struggle, this episode will inspire you to embrace the beginner’s mindset and discover the magic of starting fresh.

Transcript

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Today I want to talk about something that many of us avoid but holds incredible value: being a beginner. I'm Dr. Nassim Ebrahimi, and welcome to Becoming My Stronger Me, a podcast designed to help you become stronger in mind, body, and heart. In season two, the mental performance series, we'll explore the intricate relationship between mental performance, sports excellence, leadership, and personal growth to help you become your stronger you. Let me start with a personal story. This year I set a goal for myself. I want to learn how to juggle a soccer ball and get to 100 juggles in a row by the end of the year. Now, if you've ever tried juggling a soccer ball, you know it's not easy. I'm not coming into this with years of experience. Sure, I did play soccer, but I was never very technical. So in this case, juggling a soccer ball, I'm very much a beginner. And let me tell you, it's been humbling. Every day I pick up the ball, and some days it feels like progress is non-existent. I watch others, other kids, other teens, even my own children effortlessly string together juggles while I struggle to get past a few in a row. But here's the thing this process has been an incredible reminder of what it feels like to start from scratch, to face the frustrations and doubts that come with learning something new. It's also given me a deeper appreciation for the courage it takes to step into the unknown. Today I want to explore the lessons we can all learn from being beginners. We'll talk about why being a beginner is essential for growth, the mental toughness it takes to push through frustrations and comparisons, how trying something new can deepen connections with the people around us, and how we can embrace the beginner's mindset in our own lives. So whether you're thinking about trying something new or supporting someone who's in that early learning phase, I hope this episode inspires you to see the value in starting fresh. When was the last time you tried something for the first time? If you're like most people, it's probably been a while. And as adults, we tend to stick to what we know, what makes us feel competent. But every master was once a beginner. For me, picking up that soccer ball every day reminds me just how humbling being a beginner can be. There are moments when I want to quit because it feels like I'm not getting anywhere. But I also know that growth doesn't happen overnight. Growth happens in the small daily efforts. Every time I go to practice, I'm not just working on my juggling skills. I'm working on my ability to push through frustration, to focus on progress over perfection and to celebrate the small wins. And those small wins matter. On day one, I could barely get two juggles. Now I'm up to 10 on a good day, and it's been less than a month. It's not quite a hundred yet, but it's progress. Here's what we don't always want to talk about when it comes to learning something new. It's not just about the physical skill, it's about the mental resilience it takes to keep going when it feels hard. When I'm practicing, I've noticed how easy it is to let my mind spiral. Thoughts like, why am I so bad at this? Or everyone around me is so much better. Those thoughts creep in. And I think this is something all beginners experience. It's hard to feel like you're at the bottom when others make it look effortless. But this process has taught me something really important. You can't compare your day one to someone else's year five or year 10. Everyone starts somewhere. And the only person you need to compare yourself to is who you were yesterday. It's also taught me the value of pushing through the messy middle. There are days when I don't want to practice because it feels like I'm not making any progress. But every time I show up, even when I don't feel like it, I'm building mental toughness. I'm teaching myself that consistency matters more than motivation. One of the unexpected gifts of this process has been the conversations it's sparked with my family. My kids, who are far better at juggling than I am, have become my coaches in a way. They encourage me, laugh with me when I mess up, and give me tips to improve. By stepping into something that they love, I've gained a deeper understanding of what they go through as athletes. I see the effort they put into improving their skills, the frustration they feel when things don't click, and the joy they experience when they hit a milestone. This process has reminded me how powerful shared experiences can be. When we step into the world of someone we love, not as an expert, but as a curious beginner, it creates opportunities for connection and understanding. If you have someone in your life who's passionate about something, I encourage you to try stepping into their world, whether it's playing their sport or joining their hobby or simply learning about what excites them. It's a chance to build a stronger bond. So, how do we take these lessons and apply them in our own lives? First, we have to let go of the fear of looking foolish. It's okay not to be good at something right away. In fact, it's expected. The most important thing is to show up and try. Second, focus on small, consistent efforts. For me, that means picking up the soccer ball every day and doing my 150s. 150 cumulative with my left, 150 with my right, and then alternating. And it's not about being perfect, it's about being consistent. Finally, remember that being a beginner is a gift. It teaches us humility, patience, and resilience. It also gives us the chance to see the world through a fresh perspective and to connect with others in meaningful ways. As I continue working toward my goal of 100 juggles, I'm reminded every day that growth is messy, progress is slow, and the journey is worth it. Being a beginner isn't always easy, but it's one of the most rewarding experiences we can have. Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the Becoming My Stronger Me podcast. If it inspired you to try something new, I'd love to hear about it. What's the skill you're working on and how are you staying consistent? What's the biggest challenge or reward? Share your experiences with me on social media on Instagram at StrongerMe or on TikTok at Becoming My StrongerMe or send me a message. I'd love to celebrate your progress with you. And if this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need a little nudge to start their own beginner's journey. Until next time, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, join our Facebook group, send in your stories and feedback. And if you're looking for a mental performance coach or want more information, go to www.becoming my strongerme.com. I can't wait to hear from you.