Are you hesitant to try something new because you’re worried about not being good enough? Do you feel intimidated by the prospect of starting something new, like Pilates or skiing? If so, you’re not alone.
Intimidation is a real thing. We’ve all felt it at some point in our lives. The fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of being judged can be overwhelming. In the world of fitness, this is commonly referred to as “gymtimidation,” and in the world of Pilates, it’s called “pilatestimidation.” But the truth is, no matter what you call it, it’s just a feeling.
We forget what it’s like to be a beginner.
We forget that everyone starts at the beginning and that it’s okay not to be perfect right away.
We forget that progress takes time and that it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.
We forget that we’re all human, and that we all have to start somewhere.
This is how I feel when I ski. It is so intimidating for me on many levels. Mostly, it’s scary, and I feel very uncomfortable. My last time skiing was in 2022, and before that, it was 10 years ago. So last year was even more intimidating because I was 10 years older, and my skiing skills needed a refresher. There were no lessons available, and I had to tell myself over and over to remain calm. One day, in particular, after skiing all morning, I was ready to be done for the day, but I found myself only halfway down the mountain. I stopped in my tracks, had a moment, and tears were streaming down my face. My husband was ahead of me, waiting patiently for me to pull myself together.
I stood there, exhausted, and my mind was even more exhausted. I looked up at the top of the mountain and then down the mountain where I wanted to be. I wanted to be done and down at the base of the mountain, but I wasn’t. I had to finish the run. I realized at that moment that I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable. I have told myself this many times since that last skiing trip. It reminds me that I’m still a beginner. I’m doing something that I’m not proficient in, and that’s okay.
So, the question is, how do we overcome this feeling of intimidation and fear?
- Awareness. The first step is awareness. We need to be aware of our thoughts and feelings and acknowledge them.
- Acceptance. Once we do that, we can start to work on accepting ourselves for who we are and where we are in our journey.
It’s okay to be a beginner. In fact, being a beginner is a beautiful thing. It means that you’re open to new experiences and willing to learn. It means that you’re brave enough to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
If you’re feeling intimidated, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are always people who are willing to help and coach you along the way. Whether it’s a Pilates instructor, a personal trainer, or a friend, don’t be afraid to accept their help and encouragement.
Remember, before long, someone will be needing that same help and encouragement from you. So, be brave enough to be a beginner, embrace the journey, and enjoy the ride. You never know where it might take you!
