Sometimes we think we’re supposed to have this figured out by now. The inner narrative strikes: we should be further along, more certain, and less unsure of ourselves. Without meaning to we add pressure, doubt, and stress.

Along the way, we may lose touch with what’s here and available in us right now.

I see this inner dialogue play out time and again with leadership clients and you bet I’ve had moments of this in myself.

Wonder and curiosity are alive when I revisit this quote from the late Shunryu Suzuki, a renowned Zen teacher and contributor:

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few.”

We each come with valuable expertise. Leaning on it too much or expecting ourselves to know it all adds so much inner tension and distraction. I think we narrow what’s possible when stuck in this tunnel.

Inviting the mind of a curious beginner opens things up again. Humility, presence and… Phew. We can breathe again.

If you’re caught in self-doubt or holding yourself to impossible standards, a gentle reminder for any one of us: we don’t have to know it all to be good enough, or to be learning something that matters.

Good enough. Smart enough. Worthy right now. Still learning.

Where might you let yourself be a beginner again?

With fervor,

Eva