Whenever I start learning something new, I am super excited about it. Drawing, playing the guitar, yoga, anything. I can’t wait to plunge in. It’s new, it’s interesting, it’s limitless, I’m fine with having no skill ‘cause, hey, I just started. From Day One, I am full of visions of what my life will be like when I am really good at whatever it is. It’s awesome.
A few weeks into it, the hate begins to dial up. And the whining.
I know the basics, I get it, but I can’t do it well enough. I’m not progressing as fast as I was when I first started. The novelty has worn off. I tell myself I’ll never get any better.
And it’s hard, so I’m ready to give up. Often I do. But not always.
Sometimes I find a way to keep my interest up: More novelty. An inspiring new class or book. A mentor. Habit. Praise. Likes on social media. If I persevere, then a few months in, I actually do start to get better.
By sticking to it, my skills improve, and it becomes second nature. I really love doing it. It’s everything I’d hoped for and more.
This is the journey: Enthusiasm eventually meets resistance, and only with grit do you achieve skill and then passion. Don’t mistake this draggy middle period for the end. You will pass through it, but only if you work hard and hang in there. Sorry.
Passion doesn’t depend on what you do. Just on how you do it.
Your pal,
Danny