Being a beginner...

You can learn new things at any time in life if you’re willing to be a beginner. When was the last time you were a beginner? It can be a scary feeling, but it’s a beautiful thing to approach the unknown with an open mind and open heart—humbly releasing the need or expectation to be good at something or to know everything about a topic—but instead, being completely moldable and teachable—ready to (pool pun ahead) “soak up” new knowledge, skills and experiences. No one starts off being excellent at what they do—the master is simply a beginner who kept beginning. Being a beginner requires stepping outside of your box—your comfort zone. What’s your box? The weight room is my comfort zone—if you know me, that’s no surprise—and...I’ll bike...I’ll run...I’ll flip tires, push sleds and slam battle ropes...but the pool—well, I’m no fish—I function better on land than I do on water. I’m going to turn that around though with practice and patient persistence. Embracing what’s hard and challenging for me is what excites me. That’s exactly why I’m spending more time in the water...swimming for fitness. It’s never too late to try new things. Taking swim technique lessons as an adult is a humbling experience, but I’m enjoying the challenge of being brand new at something—because with all things, we were all beginners once. The expert in anything started as a beginner. “No challenge, no change” is one of my personal mantras. I’ve tried to place my goals just beyond my reach throughout my fitness journey and in doing so, I’ve surprised myself in what I was capable of: bodybuilding competitions, powerlifting meet, and now this...we’ll see where this goes. And even if it does or doesn’t lead to achieving grand personal goals (because we all know I’m drawn to competitive events)—I will have achieved the grandest goal of all simply by stepping outside of my box. I’m simply excited to add swimming to my fitness regimen as a new way to move and another way to do something good for my body and health. I can already tell what a wonderful compliment it is to my weight training regimen and I honestly look forward to my swim sessions. You never know what you can do until you try, and very few try unless they have to. You might just discover a new passion that enriches your life—don’t miss out on amazing things by not trying.
So I encourage you and I challenge you to step beyond your comfort zone—maybe you’re the opposite of me—maybe your challenge is entering the weight room and embracing strength training. Whatever it may be, step outside of your box—it is during the times where you are far outside your element that you will experience yourself the most and it’s where growth occurs...so hurl yourself into the unknown and unfamiliar...that’s always where the magic lies. If it scares you, you’re headed in a positive direction. Face it, embrace it.
Just keep swimming—in life and in the water.

If you are looking for an amazing swim instructor—no matter your level—I highly recommend Kathleen Wilson—the MUSC Wellness Center is very fortunate to have her! Click HERE for more information.