The discomfort of every beginning

When you first start learning something new, there's this weird feeling that creeps in. It's like you're an actor on a stage, pretending to be someone you're not. You're going through the motions, mimicking what you think a "real" person in that role would do.

Every time you sit down to write, pick up that guitar, or step into your new job, it feels like you're wearing someone else's shoes. They don't quite fit right. You stumble. You feel like an impostor putting on a show.

But here's the thing - this feeling isn't a sign that you're doing something wrong. It's actually proof that you're doing exactly what you should be doing.

Learning feels like acting. And that's just how it is.

The reason everything feels so unnatural is beautifully simple: you haven't worn these shoes long enough. Your brain and body haven't connected the dots that make the activity natural. It's like trying to write with your non-dominant hand - of course, it feels weird!

That cringe-worthy feeling when you're learning something new? That's not you being fake. That's you being brave enough to be bad at something new. It's you showing up before you've mastered the skill. It's you choosing growth over comfort.

So next time you feel like you're just pretending or acting as if you know what you're doing, remember:

• This feeling is normal
• This feeling is temporary
• This feeling is a sign of growth

The discomfort you feel isn't fake - it's the very real sensation of your brain and body learning something new. It's the feeling of you becoming more than you were yesterday.

Keep acting.
Keep trying.
Keep showing up.

One day, without you even noticing, what once felt like an act will feel like you being you. And that's when you'll realize - you weren't acting at all.

You were learning.
You were growing.
You were becoming.

I hope you find this insightful. Remember:

It's not going to be easy,
But it's not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian.