Have you ever found yourself excited about trying something new, only to be held back by a wave of self-doubt? Whether it’s a potential career path, a new hobby, or even walking into a gym to try basketball, it often feels like there’s an invisible force keeping us from taking that first step. That force, more often than not, is the thoughts we allow.Our thoughts are powerful. They can be the wind beneath our wings or the chains that keep us grounded. Understanding the intricate role our thoughts play in determining what we try or don’t try can be life-changing.

The Voices in Our Heads: Friends or Foes?

We all have an inner dialogue that runs through our heads. It’s that voice that narrates our day, the one that evaluates our choices, and the one that makes us doubt our capabilities. When we contemplate trying something new, that voice can either cheer us on or tear us down. For many of us, the voice tends to lean toward caution — often for self-protection. Thoughts like “I’ll probably be terrible at this,” or “I’m just not that kind of person,” are common mental blocks that prevent us from taking risks or embracing new experiences.

Imagine walking into a gym and seeing a group of people playing basketball. Part of you might feel an itch to join in, but then that voice speaks up: “I’m not good enough,” or “They’re going to laugh at me.” These thoughts are like invisible walls, erected entirely by our own minds, keeping us on the sidelines. We convince ourselves that trying would be embarrassing or that we’d just fail, so we don’t even bother taking that first step.

Breaking Free: The Cost of Inaction

The problem is that these thoughts, which we think are keeping us safe from failure or discomfort, are also keeping us from opportunities to grow, learn, and find joy. We all know the phrase, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Kobe Bryant himself. This is as true for shooting hoops as it is for any other aspect of life — a new career, a passion project, or even just a small hobby. By listening to those self-defeating thoughts, we deny ourselves the chance to discover hidden talents and, more importantly, the simple joy of trying.

The truth is, when we start anything new, we’re usually not great at it. The first time you pick up a basketball, you might miss every shot. Your first attempt at drawing might look more like a doodle from kindergarten. But that’s okay — that’s the whole point of learning. You start out “being ass” at something so that, with time and practice, you can eventually be amazing at it. No one steps onto the court as an all-star or sits down at a piano as a virtuoso. It’s the willingness to be imperfect and embrace the learning process that turns beginners into experts.

How Thoughts Can Empower Us

So, how do we overcome the limiting thoughts that stop us from trying new things? It begins with understanding that these thoughts are just that — thoughts. They aren’t objective truths. They don’t define us, and they certainly shouldn’t dictate what we are capable of. Recognizing when your mind is holding you back allows you to challenge it. Instead of thinking, “I’m terrible at this,” try reframing it as, “I might be terrible at this now, but I can get better.” The simple shift from a negative, fixed mindset to a positive, growth-oriented one can make all the difference.

The next time you find yourself hesitant to try something new, remember that the fear of failure is natural, but it’s not a reason to stop yourself. Think about all the times in your life when you started as a beginner. Think about when you learned to ride a bike or cook your favorite meal — at some point, you didn’t know how to do it. But you learned, and now it’s second nature. Every new skill, every new opportunity, starts the same way — with you, taking that first step, despite the doubts.

You Are Amazing, Don’t Ever Forget That

You have the potential to be amazing at anything you put your mind to, but you have to be willing to silence the self-doubt long enough to give it a try. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to grow, to challenge yourself, and to find joy in the process. You don’t have to be good right away — you just have to be willing to be “not good” long enough to improve.

So, if there’s something you’ve been wanting to try — whether it’s stepping onto a basketball court, exploring a new career, or picking up a guitar — let this be your sign. Go for it. Don’t let your thoughts hold you back from experiencing the fullness of life. You are amazing, and the world deserves to see just how great you can be.

Remember: the whole point of learning is to grow, to improve, and to transform “being ass” into being awesome. So get out there, take the shot, and embrace the journey. Be the next person to written in the history of greatness.

Until next time 🙂

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