In our world, we tend to value competence, confidence, and belonging, and for quite clear and obvious reasons. There are benefits to all of these. The last thing you want to know before boarding an international flight, for instance, is that the pilot isn’t competent at their job.
But in our personal lives, it can sometimes feel as though unless we’re 100% on top of every situation, we have no worth. This can lead us to experience impostor syndrome, worry about upcoming challenges in life, or prevent us from taking the risks that we may need to take in order to live an actualized and worthwhile life.
Thankfully, it is okay to be out of your depth, at least when just starting out and finding your way. While it can feel uncomfortable to consider this, becoming comfortable with that process and actively seeking to improve or become familiar can help you in a range of situations you may not be totally up to date with. In this post, then, we’ll discuss what effects this can have. Without further ado, let’s begin:
A First Date
Everyone feels nervous on their first date, but most people also feel that if they don’t present utmost confidence, aren’t able to give the coolest, smoothest and wittiest jokes, or seem at all how they’re feeling, then they’re going to put the other person off.
But there’s no need to worry. While dressing well and grooming properly totally helps your confidence, the truth is that hiding who you are only achieves attracting people who may not be good for the real you. It’s much better to experience an awkward date that slowly moves into fun than to pretend your way through the whole thing. So don’t worry, and just open yourself to the experience. This way, you can give yourself to it more.
A New Job
Any new job can feel totally nerve-wracking, to begin with. When onboarding, everything is totally new (even in a career field you have experience in), and figuring out the particular way a brand works can feel quite tiring. This is not to mention meeting new colleagues and trying to find out how to operate in that social environment.
However, most of us know that whenever this has been the case in the past, within two weeks that place begins to feel so much more familiar, and ourselves as part of the bedrock. Just give it time and focus on doing the best job you can – before long you’ll feel thoroughly confident.
Becoming A New Parent
Becoming a new parent is, of course, one of the biggest milestones any couple can go through. For that reason, it’s important to recognize that feeling a little out of your depth is normal. Speaking to your midwife about what to expect and changes that your body will go through, as well as using amazing resources like Baby Bouncer: The Complete Buying Guide For Parents to help you prepare in advance will give you that little bit of leeway and confidence to focus on the journey.
It’s very easy for new parents, pregnant mothers especially, to fear anything they don’t understand as a sign that something is wrong with the process. When you have these strong support links in place and rest on your relatives and friends, you can keep your confidence, ask for help when you need it, and be fully supported for every step of the way. This way, you’ll be sure to make it all the way to delivery and welcome a beautiful baby (or babies, depending on your fortune).
Trying A New Skill
Trying a new skill is a great way to feel like a total novice because you would be. But remember, it’s okay to start on something you’d like to do, even later in life. The most famous Japanese writer around today, Haruki Murakami, didn’t pick up a pen to start writing until he was 29. Bob Ross, everyone’s favorite wholesome painter, left the USAF and started painting at the age of 41. Morgan Freeman’s first breakout movie role took place when he was 50 years old.
All of these people were once novices in their craft. For this reason, you can be too. It gives you room to grow, to try new things, and to make mistakes – which is all a prerequisite for getting better at anything.
With this advice, you’re sure to realize that yes, after all, it’s okay to be out of your depth.
