Imagine you’re standing at the base of a towering mountain (you know I love to talk about mountains), its peak obscured by clouds. The journey to the top seems daunting, perhaps even impossible. But here’s a truth that has propelled countless guys and gals like you upward: Every expert was once a beginner.
Think about that for a moment. Every masterful artist, every accomplished athlete, every successful entrepreneur started exactly where you are now—at the beginning. Just like I did. Those people faced uncertainty, they wrestled with self-doubt, they stumbled their way through failures. They had no clue what the hell they were doing sometimes – just like you. But what set them apart was their decision to take that first step, and then the next, and the next, and just embrace the journey despite the unknowns.
One of my favourite examples of this is Michael Jordan. Before becoming a basketball legend (greatest of all time, baby!), he was cut from his high school varsity team. Instead of succumbing to defeat, he used this setback as fuel, dedicating himself to relentless practice and improvement.
Another compelling example is Anthony Robles. Born with only one leg, Robles faced significant challenges in his pursuit of wrestling. Despite this, he became a three-time All-American and won the NCAA individual wrestling national championship in the 125-pound weight class in 2011. His story exemplifies how determination and resilience can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
And my favourite of all – Nick Vujicic. I’ve talked about him many times before – he’s a legend. Born without arms and legs, Nick faces insane challenges (as I’m sure you can imagine), and even tried to drown himself in the bathtub when he was 8 years old.
Pushing through all of that, he became a world-renowed motivational speaker, has a beautiful wife and 4 kids, and has changed millions of lives through his resilience, stoicism and wisdom.
These stories aren’t rare; you can do what they have done. The path from beginner to expert isn’t always smooth; it isn’t always easy. It can often be full of obstacles, learning curves, doubts, insecurities – all of it. But each challenge these people overcame only added to their wealth of knowledge, belief in themselves, and their courage.
In other words, their struggles made them stronger. Your struggles will do the same for you.
In Zen Buddhism, there’s a concept called “Shoshin,” or “beginner’s mind.” It emphasizes approaching every task with openness, eagerness, and a lack of preconceptions, much like a beginner would. By maintaining this mindset, you remain receptive to learning and growth, no matter how proficient you become – you’re always the student, always learning more.
So, as you embark on your journey, remember that starting at the beginning isn’t a limitation—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to grow, and to carve your unique path toward mastery. Embrace the process, stay patient, and keep moving forward. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize that the mountain that once seemed insurmountable was conquered one step at a time.
And, perhaps, you’ll inspire another beginner to take their first step.
