My just-4-year-old had tummy aches for weeks before starting elementary school this Monday.
Why is it so daunting to start something new?
The answer is two-fold.
1- We are afraid of the unknown. Evolutionarily explainable: there could be danger.
2- We are afraid of failure. What if we do it wrong and make a mistake?
But in life you'll have to do new things. Try new food. Meet new people. Take on a new project. Start a new job.
So how do we deal with those two fears holding us back?
1- You make the unknown known. There is lots of info out there: talk to people who know, Google it, have a look for yourself...
2- Take the sting out of failure; use your problem solving ability. What can you do if you lose your way after a toilet break? Ask others for directions, just walk around, pay attention on your way to the toilet, leave a trail of breadcrumbs... You have options!
And overall when you're trying something new: be kind to yourself. What would you say to your 4-year-old self starting elementary school? Tell yourself that. Then you'll walk into your 'something new' without hesitation!
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