We live in a society that values the idea of being the best at everything we do. From a young age, we are taught that being mediocre is not enough and that we must strive for greatness in all aspects of our lives. However, this is an unrealistic expectation that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
So many friends and strangers I’ve spoken with about my projects have been in awe, immediately doubting themselves and their abilities. Before they even understand that knitting is done with two sticks and a piece of string, they’ve dismissed the idea that they could ever create a colorwork sweater that fits. Imagine never trying something because you can’t run a marathon on day one!! Let’s go over some reasons it’s okay to not be great at everything you do, especially on day one!
The Importance of Trying
The first reason why it’s okay to not be great at everything you do is that the act of trying is more important than the result. It takes courage to pursue a new hobby or skill, and the mere act of trying is an accomplishment in itself. Even if you don’t excel at the new endeavor, you will have learned something new and gained valuable experience. Trying something new can also lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
The Joy of the Process
Another reason why it’s okay to not be great at everything you do is that the joy is often found in the process, not just the end result. When we focus solely on the end goal, we can miss out on the joy that comes from the journey. Learning a new skill or pursuing a hobby can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, even if we are not the best at it. The act of creating something or engaging in a new activity can bring a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Additionally, it’s okay to pick up a hobby and choose not to be great at it. Cross stitching is that for me. Granted, cross stitching isn’t a hard hobby to learn, but I love having a secondary hobby to inspire when I hit a creative block and can create custom art for my home at the same time!
The Value of Persistence
Finally, it’s important to remember that persistence is key when it comes to mastering a new skill or hobby. It’s okay to not be great at something at first, but with practice and dedication, we can improve. The journey of learning and growing is often more valuable than the end result. It’s important to remember that we are all on our own unique journey, and comparing ourselves to others is not productive or helpful.
It’s okay to not be great at everything you do. Trying new things, enjoying the process, and persisting through challenges are all valuable experiences that can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. Let go of the pressure to be the best and focus on the joy of the journey. Remember, it’s okay to be mediocre at something and still find joy in it years later. So go ahead and try that new hobby or skill, and enjoy the journey!
