There’s a common misconception that in order to do something, you have to be good at it.
I’m starting to notice that for some reason, many people are under the impression that the only way you can have a hobby or do just about anything is to be a complete master of it. The only exception to this is if you’re getting paid for the thing you’re doing then it’s assumed you’re good at it – which isn’t always the case. Unfortunately, I have to say that I have started to have this mentality, to the point where it’s stopped me from doing the things I love.
I guess it’s understandable though, we live in a competitive world and just about everything you do is under scrutiny from someone, or a lot of someones. Worse still, the most efficient way to share is also the easiest way to experience negativity – the internet. Nowadays you can reach just about anyone and that’s great for the most part, but we’ve all experienced the utter stupidity on the flip side of that coin I’m sure. It may be that people just don’t understand why you’re pouring all your money into your car, perhaps the internet doesn’t like an article that you wrote, or maybe someone left a truly hateful comment on photo that you’re really proud of. It seems that whatever it is you’re doing, there’s never a shortage of negative energy trying to shut you down – that’s just the way it goes unfortunately.
That’s one of the many reasons I’ve always loved writing for Zen, the community is overwhelmingly positive for the most part, which is rare. I’ve had some really great conversations and encouragement from people on the opposite side of the world through writing for Zen. I often wish there was a way I could get that kind of motivator on a more regular basis!
Now, I’m certain that I’m not the only one that’s considered throwing in the towel just because you’re not as good as you thought you’d be. Maybe you’ve been watching something from the sideline and never felt like you could partake so didn’t bother trying at all. And that’s ok. It’s really easy to get caught up and let the negatives take over. Maybe you’re 6 months into a project car that you thought would only take 3 months. Maybe you’re convinced that you’ll never be able to beat your PB at Wakefield. Maybe you think you’re too old to still be playing video games, or skateboarding or drawing or whatever. But here’s the thing, life’s hard, things take time to learn and a lifetime to master. To quote Jake the dog – “Sucking at something is the first step to becoming sorta good at something” – so true!
Imagine how boring it would be if the first time you got in a car you could drive like Lewis Hamilton. To be fair it would be fun for a little while but you wouldn’t have any sense of accomplishment. You’d have no point of reference for where you’ve come from. Have you ever played a video game with the cheat codes on before you finished it without them? It gets so old so fast when you have unlimited money or health. The reason for that is simply because the thing that actually gives us the sense of accomplishment is the time it takes to get there.
The climb is our only point of reference for when we reach the top and only then can we know what we’ve really achieved. Like when you try and try again to hit the apex of a corner, getting more and more frustrated with each pass, you know that the feeling when you finally get it is going to be worth all that time spent – one of the few things that are guaranteed in life.
This is starting to sound a little bit like an infomercial so I’ll finish up by saying don’t quit just because you’re shit! Remind yourself, your friends, whoever it may be that there is literally no reason not to try improve on something or start something from scratch. Cars, games, art, skateboarding, photography – whatever it is that you’re into, you’ll only benefit from keeping at it.
– L