The other day I went to a karate class for the first time. I almost bagged it because…well…it’s scary starting something new, something you’ve never done before. And seriously, people who do karate are a bit intimidating.
So I drove by the dojo a few times and came very close to turning around and going home. But when it came right down to it, I couldn’t let my fear dictate my fate.
So I walked in and everyone was dressed in their whites and their colored belts and here’s me in my black work-out clothes (what can I say, black is slimming). The sensei greeted me and told me to get in the back row so I could watch everyone else and follow along. I had no idea what I was doing and as you can imagine, I was downright scared.
But then someone from the front row turned around, looked at me and said “don’t worry, you’ve already done the hardest part, you walked through the door.”
That was such a thoughtful and kind thing to say. And it reminded me that everyone feels this when starting something new. It is hard to put yourself out there and feel vulnerable. And yet if we don’t, we never grow.
I remember feeling the same way the first few times I started going to sessions. And even still to this day, going to a new session can be a bit intimidating.
So whether you’re performing, going to a new session or taking karate for the first time, if you’re nervous, that’s normal. We’ve all been there. It’s just matter of mustering up the courage to cross that threshold.
After my introductory karate class. I decided to commit to it and start going weekly. Maybe it was the great work out it gave me, or the thought that I will be able to fully defend myself if ever I need to or maybe it was because that one guy reminded me that there is strength in trying something new.
Session Obsession 