One of the downsides of social media is that everyone can see what we do. Oftentimes, there is immediate judgment when someone goofs up or makes a mistake. Therefore, we’re all hyper-aware of doing something to make ourselves look foolish. We avoid risk and place a premium on appearances.

We have to move past this impulse and instead keep a beginner’s mindset. Life and technology are changing so fast that there’s no way to keep up with it all. If you’re going to stay relevant, you have to be willing to experiment, learn, make mistakes, and grow.

I’m facing this now with doing short-form videos on social media. I’m not very good at it, but I’m learning. I’m willing to practice in public and go for it with a beginner’s mindset.

How about you? What are you learning? Is it book marketing? Social media? Working on that first book? Getting started with public speaking or podcasting?

Whatever it is, just dive in and don’t worry about what everybody thinks. You’ll catch on quickly enough. In this ever-changing media and technological landscape, we’re honestly all beginners, all the time. But the prize will belong to those who are willing to adapt and change with the times.

Today’s Challenge: Consider what you’re learning right now as a writer. Do you have a beginner’s mindset in your writing and creative work?