Trying something new can be exciting… but also a little intimidating. Whether it’s a creative hobby, a wellness goal, or a mindset shift, we often expect ourselves to go from zero to expert right away. And when we can’t? We feel like we’ve failed before we’ve really begun. As a matter of fact, that’s why most of the time we don’t try something new, we fail ourselves in our mind before we even try with our hands!
But here’s the truth: success in anything new doesn’t come from intensity—it comes from consistency. And part of that is not doing it perfect, or even that great at first, and still coming back to do it again.
If you’re ready to try something new (or return to something that’s calling to you), here’s a simple, gentle way to get started—and keep going.
The key to starting something new is to make it ridiculously doable at first. That might mean:
Set the bar low—so low that it’s almost impossible to say no. The idea is to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment from Day One.
We tend to believe if we don’t have a full hour or perfect conditions, it’s not worth doing. But real success is built in the tiny cracks of your day.
Five minutes counts.
One paragraph counts.
A single line of stitching counts.
If you did something, you showed up. And every time you show up, you’re reinforcing the identity of someone who keeps going. And you can build from there!
Visual motivation is powerful. That’s why we love tools like a simple calendar, habit tracker, or even a sticky note on the fridge.
Mark an X for every day you complete your new habit. Soon, you’ll have a chain of progress—and you won’t want to break it.
Whether it’s digital (apps) or analog (bullet journal, printable trackers, or even a jar of marbles), find a way to see your commitment growing. (I will say though writing down that physical X does hit the spot, and science backs it that writing it on paper connects our mind and body in a solid bond).
Life will happen. You’ll have an off day. You’ll forget. You’ll get overwhelmed. That’s not failure—it’s reality.
But here’s the gentle rule to live by: Never miss two days in a row.
If you miss a day, acknowledge it without shame. Then start again the next day (or if it’s a smaller task, see if you carbe out a little bit of time later that day). You haven’t failed—you’ve just taken a breath. What matters is the comeback.
Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Be Ready. Just Willing.
You don’t need the perfect plan, the perfect tools, or the perfect timing. You just need a little curiosity, a tiny bit of time, and the courage to begin imperfectly. (I call this “doing it anyways” opportunities and these opportunities tend to have the most impactful experiences of personal growth and wisdom, and self confidence attached to them!) Because trying something new isn’t about performance. It’s about permission—to grow, explore, and evolve into the person you’re becoming.
So, what’s calling to you?
Whatever it is… start small. Keep going. And start that chain!
You’ve got this.
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