The Overlooked Magic of Being A Novice

…In A World That Overvalues Experience

Absolutely everyone starts out as a novice. There’s simply no other starting line from which to set off. All our heroes, role models and experts were all once apprentices within their chosen crafts.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

— Chinese Proverb

Yet almost every word that relates to being new to an experience, disciple or body of work invokes a less than flattering image.

Rookie

Greenhorn

Newbie

Beginner

Amateur

We make beginners feel as if they are behind the curve in some critical way. Like they are missing some critical secret ingredient that makes them undeserving or lacking in some way.

You would think that it was a shameful act to be a rookie.

The bigger picture is that human nature — particularly ego — can be quite insecure. The expert gains a level of self-validation in feeling better than the inchoate.

The fact is that we should all be more grateful and respectful of newbies.

First of all the very fact that anyone wants to sign up to anything that we are involved in is the ultimate validation that you are doing something worthwhile.

‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.’

— Oscar Wilde

No-one wants to be apart of anything that’s going nowhere. People join up to things where they see some inherent value.

We should welcome all new recruits because few human endeavours — in business, academia, entertainment — are not improved by greater numbers. We as a species have a way of doing better when we band together and starting to fall apart when we are separated.

If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together

— African Proverb

If you happen to be the one starting afresh at something, rather than feel inferior to everyone else start appreciating your unique position.

You have an enviable point of view that you haven’t yet caught on to. Your aim should be to leverage it to your advantage.

This prize position won’t last forever — soon you will be just as wise and as jaded and encumbered by that wisdom as everyone else. So rather than spend your time shrinking yourself before older players, instead use your brief time as the new guy to deliver the value that only you can.

Here are three super-powers to harness that give you an edge over your more established peers.

Enthusiasm Gives You Wings

Optimism comes naturally when you start something new. A new assignment, job, hobby or activity creates a sense of excitement and enthusiasm.

Use that to your advantage.

People will tend to give you a period to get acquainted and settled into your position when you are just starting out. Don’t waste this grace period.

Channel all your energies towards making the best of your time as the new starter.

Be fearless and unafraid about getting your hands dirty. Don’t allow a fear of slipping up or making mistakes keep you from jumping in headfirst. Actively seek out opportunities to get involved to gain as learning as much as you can.

Explore as many aspects of your situation as you can. Challenge long-standing processes or set standards/rules.

Fully immerse yourself in this new environment, with your enthusiasm spurring you on.

Fresh Perspectives

There is a small window available when you start something new where your perspectives are fresh and unsullied by history.

That window is slowly closing with every moment that passes.

Youth is wasted on the young.

— George Bernard Shaw

Do not become the fabled foolish youth who fails to harness his fading gifts.

Instead, become fully aware that you can bring a unique point of view to every table that you are invited to.

New perspectives bring increased opportunities to relate to a wider customer base in a business setting. It could also mean the insights into re-purposing old resources to create added value — your point of view may be the trigger for a revamp of previously discounted projects.

Show up and speak out.

At the very least you will gain some valuable knowledge from the process of showing up and being visible.

Versatility Makes You Adaptable To Change

Sooner or later we all become entrenched in old ways of thinking and working when they remain in the same position over long periods of time.

We begin to see risks and pitfalls more clearly than opportunities. The chances of loss outweigh the estimation of gain.

Before long we are jaded — disillusioned takes root based on our tendency to see inherent risks more clearly than shining possibilities.

Time and inertia breeds caution and unfortunately fewer things ventured means fewer gains made.

Being unburdened by historical losses makes you primed to focus on wins.

As a spirited newbie, you will have an objectivity unencumbered by ‘the way things have always been done’ rhetoric.

This allows you to take on board new information more readily. You are able to make connections in forms and combinations outside of the prevailing norm.

Most people fear change, if you can mitigate that fear — by presenting a way to harness it instead — you will make yourself an invaluable member of any team.

Make It Happen…

Today’s novices are tomorrow’s experts and leaders. In the long run, it does not pay to underestimate any humble beginnings — yours or others.

Get out there and shine.