The Strength For Firsts

Introduction:

Welcome my friend,

Last week we had our little discussion on ‘The Strength To Try Again’, drawing valuable lessons on how we can make our optimism a reality this year.

More on that here: (https://whereweareone.beehiiv.com/p/the-strength-to-try-again)

Today, staying true to this same spirit of growth and resilience, we turn our attention to ‘The Strength For Firsts.’

Here, we'll examine the very real challenges that arise when we step into unfamiliar territory and why summoning the courage to push forward regardless, could be the game changer for us in the year ahead.

So let's quickly get on with it.

Discussion:

Stepping into something for the very first time tends to feel daunting for most of us, largely because of the mental weight that comes along with it.

There’s the fear of messing up, the worry that we won’t measure up, the anxiety about how others will judge our awkward early attempts, amongst other fears according to our individuality or the peculiarities of the said venture.

All of this makes us naturally hesitant to embrace “firsts.”

So, we gravitate toward the safety of what’s already known, clinging to the comfort of the familiar.

Here, to make ourselves feel good while at it, we quietly build a tidy collection of excuses, about why we’re not quite qualified, not ready, or not in the right position to begin.

Yet, these very reasons are why we've not gotten better, remaining stuck in the same place year after year, and quietly drifting further from the very goals we once set our hearts on.

■ Tackling The Challenges Associated With Taking The Firsts

If our dreams don’t frighten us at least a little, we’re probably not dreaming big enough.

Fear and doubt are normal obstacles that even the best struggle with, the only difference being that they never let it hold them back.

Truth is, we have to accept that we wouldn't have things figured out from the onset as most paths only show up along the way after we've already taken that courageous and uncertain first step.

This makes it crucial to have a strong conviction in what we're doing, so that we can see our initial struggles as a natural pain associated with being new at something rather than an indication to quit because we're not good enough.

The next one is to be mindful of who we're listening to.

Nobody that is busy fixing their own life will ridicule us for our own attempts to do the same with ours.

So if we're afraid of being laughed at for moving into something new, especially when it's not popular then it's because we've concerned ourselves with the opinions of the wrong crowd.

Most winners are supportive and collaborative, offering encouragement where they can because they can relate to those same struggles.

They also understand that there's enough room in the sky for everyone to soar, so the success of another person doesn't equate to their own downfall.

By contrast, chronic naysayers are often people who are deeply dissatisfied with their own place in life and as such desire to tear everyone down to their level.

These are the ones that'll criticize our attempts, hoping to make us feel so ashamed or foolish that we abandon the whole thing.

Yet, competence isn’t born overnight and it’s only through steady repetition and consistent effort that a beginner slowly learns, grows, and eventually becomes skilled enough to truly thrive.

Most importantly, we need to be patient with ourselves, understanding that mistakes are part of the journey.

Here, it's important to manage our expectations realistically.

When we set out on any new path, it’s unfair to expect ourselves to perform at the level of people who have years of experience behind them.

Which means that we need to release such unnecessary pressures and allow ourselves the grace to grow into mastery one imperfect step at a time.

■ Humility - An Essential To Learning 

More than curiosity, it takes humility to truly learn.

First, because it’s almost impossible to teach someone who already believes they know it all, especially when they’re convinced their way of knowing is better than the one you’re offering.

Second, because they’ll often hide their ignorance rather than risk being seen as a beginner.

Yet, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that beginner stage.

Every master we admire today was once a complete novice who was humble enough to admit it and willing to learn.

Truth is, if we shy away from an opportunity to learn for fear of being thought of as the novice, we reject our path to mastery.

There’s no shame in failing or fumbling when we’re new to something.

So, we must be humble enough to accept this truth, otherwise we stay stuck, clinging forever to what we already know and what feels safe and comfortable.

Yet, it's better to be challenged by excellence than to be the undefeated ‘final boss’ of mediocrity.

■ Divine Direction - The Conviction To Take The First Step 

As believers, we have the incredible privilege of walking forward with the ultimate assurance that we will succeed on whatever new path God has set before us, no matter how fierce the struggles may become.

God's will provides crystal clear direction about what He desires for our lives.

This direction fuels our conviction, giving us the strength to press through every difficulty, because we know He is right there with us and will grant us success in what He has called us to do.

The truth is, the safest place anyone can ever be is squarely in the center of God's will.

Here, it doesn't matter whether the path looks popular, trendy, or even understood by the world around us; when we walk in it, we experience profound, outstanding fulfillment.

In this, we become outliers and pacesetters, blazing trails that other children of God will one day follow.

Indeed, this deep conviction we have in Him is exactly what gives us the strength we need to embrace those daunting "firsts," leaning entirely on His unfailing wisdom and perfect guidance.

So why do we keep trying to figure it all out on our own?

Truth is, man's greatest struggle has always been his refusal to release control and surrender the steering wheel of His life.

Yet, who could possibly know us and what's best for us better than the One who created us?

Which makes trying to rely on our own limited understanding and strength the very root of so much of unnecessary pain and frustration.

Don't do it!

The moment we truly believe in God and place our trust in Him, we invite Him to take Lordship over every area of our lives, overseeing everything we do.

This doesn't mean the struggles suddenly vanish but it does give meaning to them.

Every trial becomes a refining fire that shapes us, strengthens us, and makes us better, because we are being formed in His hands.

All it takes is believing in Him and this belief in itself is the ultimate first step.

Summary:

We're already two (2) weekends into the New Year, a gentle reminder that time is ticking.

So, if we're yet to get going, this is a good time to do so.

When we make good use of our time, we predict the future we desire by creating it.

Master Apprentice.

www.x.com/truekingmaker