Embrace the ‘new to this’ fear: The Power of a Beginner’s Mindset
There’s something a bit, ughh, a bit vulnerable, awkward, and even a little terrifying about being at the beginning of something new.
Whether it’s starting a new job, learning a new skill, or stepping into an unfamiliar space, the discomfort of not knowing can feel overwhelming. We often fear being seen as inexperienced, asking “silly” questions, or not having all the answers. But what if that’s exactly where the magic happens?
Being at the start can be a gift.
The Beginner’s Mindset
The concept of “beginner’s mind” comes from Zen Buddhism and is best captured by Shunryu Suzuki, who said:
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”
The idea is when we’re new, we’re curious, open, and free from the assumptions that experts often carry. We’re not constrained by how things should be done, which means we can see how things might be done.
This mindset has become popular not just in spiritual practice but also in business, education, and innovation. Carol Dweck’s research on the growth mindset echoes this sentiment: those who believe they can grow through effort and curiosity tend to outperform those who feel they must appear competent at all times.
Ask the “Silly” Questions
One great advantage of being new is that you can ask what others have stopped asking. Those “silly” questions, Why do we do it this way? Is there a reason for that? Is it possible to…? - often lead to powerful insights. You’re not bound by tradition or groupthink yet. You see the cracks in the system that others have grown used to. Your questions might feel naive to you, but they’re often the starting point for real innovation and there is so much value to fresh eyes.
And here’s a secret, most people are relieved when someone else asks the thing they’ve been wondering but were too afraid to say aloud.
Reframing “Being the New Person”
Being the new person in the room doesn’t have to mean being the least valuable. In fact, it often means being the most observant. You’re paying attention in ways others aren’t. You’re not coasting on autopilot. You’re absorbing, listening, learning and that’s a powerful position to be in.
But it’s also true that this stage can be uncomfortable. So how do you navigate it?
Tips for Thriving as a Beginner
Own your newness: Don’t pretend to know what you don’t. People appreciate honesty and humility. Say, “I’m new to this, so I might need to ask some basic questions.” Framing your questions like this disarms judgment and often invites support.
Find your guides: Look for people who remember what it was like to be new. Mentors, kind colleagues, or even peer learners can be invaluable sources of encouragement and guidance.
Document your learning: Keep notes on what you observe, what doesn’t make sense, and what questions you have. This helps track your progress and can even become a helpful resource for the next “new person.”
Stay curious, Not critical: It’s easy to swing into judgment when systems seem inefficient or outdated. Stay curious instead, ask why, understand the history, and then offer insights.
Celebrate small wins: Every bit of progress matters. Every day you show up, ask a question, or understand something new is a victory worth acknowledging.
Starting from the beginning is not a flaw, it’s fertile ground. It’s where fresh ideas, deep learning, and meaningful growth take root. So the next time you find yourself at the start of something new, don’t shrink from it. Step forward. Be bold enough to ask, humble enough to listen, and brave enough to not have all the answers.
Everyone starts at the beginning.
The important bit is to start.