Be a beginner
Posted by Ben Lumley on Feb 9, 2010 in Think Differently | 72 comments
Today’s post is by Jen Smith. Jen is a Life Coach and Personal Development blogger from the UK who can be found at Reach Our Dreams. You can connect with Jen on Twitter @reachourdreams or if you liked this article then why not subscribe to her RSS Feed?
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s there are few.” Shunryu Suzuki-Roshi
Would you rather be a beginner or an expert? What does each of those words mean to you?
Beginner
“somebody who has just started to learn or do something”
Expert
“somebody with a great deal of knowledge about, or skill, training, or experience in, a particular field or activity
I think it would be fair to say, as a rule being an expert is seen as better in our society than a beginner. Maybe this is because it can seem that as a society we seem primarily concerned with acquisition. Acquisition of knowledge, of things, of awards … more is often seen as “better.” Of course this isn’t always the case and it seems that we are beginning to realise that some of the ways we have been living, just don’t add up any more.
What I am talking about is a state of mind
Now if you’re thinking, “that’s all very well, but I am an expert at XYZ” (fill in the blank)…. I am not saying that we are not skilled or experienced at something, or that we should hide our talents or pretend we are not. I am talking about attitude and about being. Have you ever met someone who knew a lot about something, but you only found this out by accident or from someone else telling you? On the other hand, I am sure we all have all met someone who actually didn’t know very much about what they were talking about, but made sure they told you they knew a lot! The point being, however much we know … there is always more to learn and by being open and receptive we are more likely to learn more.
Everyone is a teacher
Everyone we encounter has something to teach us. Whether it’s by example, or by default! That old lady driving at 20 miles per hour … could be teaching us patience. The demanding boss who is never happy could be teaching us how to stick up for ourselves! There is no fit all answer and sometimes it is not what we want to hear, however approaching life from this angle is incredibly powerful. Imagine how different our world would be if we all approached each other looking for what we could learn, rather than teach.
Be a beginner
By bringing an attitude of service, enthusiasm and thirst to learn to any situation, we transform how we look at life. Whether we believe it or not, we are all beginners in life anyway. None of us has the whole picture. There are gurus and enlightened beings and have been through the ages; however they will be the first to tell us, be like children, and be innocent, enthusiastic and full of wonder.
“Empty your cup so that it may be filled; become devoid to gain totality.” Bruce Lee
Similar Posts:
- The Keys to Unlocking Success: Part 6 Learning from Life
- 7 Things I have learnt about life from being a Martial Artist.
- Your Perfect Day. Why You Should Think About Planning Yours
- Yoda was in to Personal development: 6 Life Lessons from a Jedi Master
- Enjoying the Journey: How to Make the Most of Paths We Take in Life
If you've enjoyed this post and would like to be updated of new posts as soon as they are released, you can subscribe to the RSS feed or get updates by email.
You can also subscribe to the 6aliens.com Newsletter to recieve posts that aren't available on the site itself.
72 comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
- Interview at Wise Living & Guest Post Update | Reach Our Dreams - [...] your own path | 8/3/2010 • Site Sketch 101 | How to blog as a newbie | 3/3/2010 • ...
Leave a Reply
Follow 6aliens.com!
About 6aliens.com
6Aliens is a blog about inspiration, motivation and success. Ben Lumley is a Motivational Speaker and Trainer who works for no limits education inspiring young people to succeed in life.
To have more than you've got, become more than you are.
Jim Rohn
Skype Online Status
Advertisements
Powered by WordPress | Designed by Elegant Themes
Hey Jason! Awesome to see you here and thanks so much for your comment. I am really pleased you liked this post. There is definitely part of me that wants to be seen as an expert at times too. I don't think there is inherently anything wrong with that as such, I think that it is human nature to want recognition. Here's to emptying our cup together!
Jen
First of all, great article Jen!
I think we all are teacher and learners to everyone and ourselves because we're always striving to learn more and to become more of who we really are. We also want to give all we can because we have something to offer others. It's about understanding that there's always going to be more to learn about something but at the same time looking at what we already know and focusing on how much we can use that in our lives.
Great once again!
Thanks Eric.. Great points!
Jen
Thanks Jen! I look forward to writing it.
Travis
Life is a continuous learning experience. Assuming to know everything will only halt the process of growth.
I think all success takes time and progress. It was said when the student is ready the teacher will appear. I tend to agree with this. sweet post!
You hit the nail on the head as always Walter! Thanks for your comment.
Thanks Jonathan!
Jen
Hey All!
Thank you all so much for your great responses to this post, I really appreciate it!
Ben – thanks again for having me as a guest poster here. It is a really awesome community here.
Hey Eric
Glad you liked Jen's article. Thanks for sharing those great points
That's a great point Walter life is a continuous learning experience
Yeah. To be honest Jonathan I've actually found this in my own life.
It was a great post Jen – you'll need to post again
On balance, I'd rather be number 2 than number 1.
In other words, I'd rather be a beginner than an expert. By seeing yourself or your business in the number 2 slot gives rise to you to challenge yourself and learn new stuff.
If your business is number 1 in it's current market, redefine you market so that you have no more than a 10% share.
Well said Matthew and I like the business perspective you've hinted on here. Thanks
Allowing yourself to think like someone a 'beginner' allows you to approach things with an open mind and I love that approach to learning. I like to learn from people, beginners and experts alike, as each person brings a different approach to looking at something, offering me an opportunity for greater personal growth.
I like this article Jen.
Hey Karl. Thanks for dropping in.
You're right. Being a beginner or at least thinking like a beginner allows you to approach things with an open mind. Great point
Great comment Matthew – being a beginner leaves room for growth!
Hi Karl
Exactly – you echoed the thoughts I had when writing this – we can 'be' open by approaching everything as a beginner.
Jen
Hi Jen and Ben,
I found this post very interesting. I always thought aspiring to be the expert in a field was a good thing.
I still think it is as long as you can keep the heart and mind of a beginner. I never want to feel like I've arrived. I want to keep the drive, passion and desire to learn always.
Thanks for dropping in Jazz.
I think having the drive, ambition and the desire to learn is something that we should all have
I am glad you enjoyed it Jazz. I think we all think that and I don't think being an expert per se is “bad”, but keeping a beginner's mind in terms of attitude makes a real difference as you mentioned.