As a go-getter, you’re accustomed to excelling. Stepping into a new venture can be a brave and exciting move, but it also means entering the rookie trenches – a place where you might feel stupid, inadequate, or like a complete impostor. The fear of failure can be paralyzing. These feelings are both real and valid.
But here’s the thing: every expert was once a beginner. Every successful person has navigated the rookie trenches (on more than one occasion). Success is about embracing discomfort and pushing forward.
Here’s how to make the best out of the rookie trenches:
Embrace the suck
Feeling lost or inadequate is a sign that you’re growing, not failing. Embrace the discomfort as evidence that you’re expanding your skills and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Reframe failure
Failure is not a reflection of your worth. View it as a valuable learning opportunity. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? How can I use this experience to improve and grow?”
Celebrate small wins
In the rookie trenches, every small victory matters. Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how insignificant it may seem. These wins will build momentum and boost your confidence.
Seek support
Surround yourself with mentors and supporters who believe in you and your vision. Their encouragement will be invaluable when self-doubt creeps in. Remember, even the most successful people need support.
Focus on your why
When the going gets tough, remember why you started this journey. What’s your big goal? Keep that vision at the forefront of your mind and use it as fuel to push through challenging times.
Laugh at yourself, rookie
Embrace the awkwardness, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress and self-doubt. Find the humor in your rookie moments and use it to keep things in perspective.
In other words, THERE IS NO HACK.
If you want to excel at something, you must be willing to suck at it first and possibly for a long time. You have to keep showing up. Want to close more deals? Get on the phone more often. Want to get better at speaking – do more speaking. Want to be a better writer? You don’t wait for "inspiration." You get your booty in the seat and write words.
You can’t study or research your way to success. It’s very unglamorous, but that’s the truth.
Feeling like a total dork in the rookie trenches IS a rite of passage. It proves you’re willing to take risks and bet on yourself.
Trust in your abilities and your vision. Stay focused on your why, and soon, you’ll look back on this time as an essential part of your success story.
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