Embracing the Beginner Mindset

Embarking on a new journey: Embrace the dream, take the risk, and stay positive.

Why I’m Learning to Love Being a Beginner

Not too long ago, I felt like I needed to have everything perfectly mapped out—especially when it came to my creative work. But starting fresh has taught me something valuable: being a beginner is actually a gift.

It means I’m growing, exploring, and giving myself permission to try. Yes, it can be messy. Yes, it can be uncomfortable. But it’s also where the excitement lives—where ideas form, where new skills take root, and where the pressure lifts just enough to let joy in.

If you’re starting something new too, you’re not alone. Check out some of the tips below that have helped me embrace the beginner stage with a bit more grace (and a lot more fun).

1. A Fresh Start Is Full of Possibilities

There’s something special about the beginning of anything. It’s full of potential, curiosity, and zero expectations. When I started drawing again (and later turned that love into digital patterns), it felt like opening a brand-new chapter—one I actually got to write for myself.

My Tip: Try to enjoy the ride, even if it feels wobbly. You’re learning, growing, and figuring things out as you go—and that’s a win in itself.

2. Growth Lives Outside the Comfort Zone

I’ve had to remind myself—more than once—that real growth doesn’t happen when everything feels easy. Starting something new as an adult is humbling, but it’s also where the breakthroughs happen.

Each little step outside my comfort zone has helped me see what I’m capable of.

My Tip: When you start feeling that discomfort creep in, that’s your cue—you’re growing.

3. Permission to Mess Up (A Lot)

In this season of starting new things, I’ve made mistakes. A lot of them. But I’ve learned that each misstep is part of the process. Nothing teaches you more than a good old-fashioned “oops.”

My Tip: Laugh it off when you can, learn what you can, and keep going. Mistakes = movement.

4. It’s Kind of Like a Creative Playground

Being a beginner takes the pressure off. I’ve been more playful and experimental in my work simply because I’m not trying to be perfect. That mindset shift has made a huge difference—it lets me explore without worrying too much about the outcome.

My Tip: Let it be messy! That’s often where the magic sneaks in.

5. You Learn About You

With every new skill I’ve tried, I’ve learned something not just about the work—but about myself. What lights me up, what drains me, how I tackle challenges—it’s all part of the self-discovery that comes with trying something new.

My Tip: Pay attention to what feels fun or frustrating. Those little clues can guide you toward more aligned choices.

6. Everyone Starts Somewhere

It’s so easy to scroll and feel behind. But trust me, no one wakes up an expert. I’ve had to remind myself that every polished designer, artist, or business owner had a Day One too. And so did I.

My Tip: Keep your eyes on your own path. Slow progress is still progress.

7. It’s All Part of the Bigger Picture

The beginner stage is just that—a stage. You’re not meant to stay there forever, but you are meant to learn from it. And honestly, there’s beauty in that. Every detour, every “aha,” and every rough sketch gets you a little closer to where you’re meant to be.

My Tip: Take the pressure off. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just keep showing up.

In Case You Needed the Reminder…

Being a beginner might feel uncomfortable at times, but it’s also a powerful place to be. It means you’re trying. You’re growing. You’re letting yourself evolve. That’s not something to be afraid of—it’s something to be proud of.

So here’s to starting, stumbling, and showing up anyway.

Let the journey unfold.