You've Gotta Start Somewhere: Our First Blog Post

By: Ann Solyst

There is no way around it. Starting something new is tough, especially when that something new nudges you out of your comfort zone.  I am a visual artist and don't always feel comfortable with my writing so while sitting down to write this very first blog post I find myself rubbing my hands across my face thinking "I'm no good at this!" and in that moment, all the excitement and enthusiasm I have for starting the "Woods and Goods" blog is overshadowed by anxiety.

This is a relatable feeling. Many of us procrastinate starting that new project because we are afraid it won't work out. We put off making our dreams reality because dreams don't have to follow the laws of reality. In our dreams everything goes smoothly, everything can be perfect. But the second we take that first step into reality, those dreams are vulnerable to the limitations and criticisms of the real world.
So, we protect the dream, preserving that happy fantasy that we are, for example, really awesome at blogging but just haven't started yet. And although we may succeed in holding on to that perfect dream, we end up limiting our realities.
I choose to take that first step from fantasy into reality today with this blog post. It will not be perfect and it may not be successful but I do believe that if I don't try, I will wish I had.

And here is where you come in dear reader. Is there something you have been wanting to start? Have you wanted to learn to draw or carve or sew? Has the fear of ridicule or failure held you back from learning to play guitar, or go back to school or even just read that thick book with the big words that has been sitting on your shelf for the last five years? I say no more! Stare those insecurities in the face and say "I don't care"
"You may make a mistake"
"I don't care!"
"Others will laugh"
"I don't care!"
"Your'e probably not any good"
"I don't care!"
"You might fail"
"I might succeed!"
So go ahead! pick up that pencil, purchase that carving knife, open that book and see where this new beginning takes you.

Before you begin, however, the teacher in me has these suggestions

1. Put in some effort

If you are beginning something new, do it with integrity. Set aside time to draw, look up online tutorials, research carving techniques, brainstorm creative ideas. If you don't put in a little forethought, you may end up buying a new carving knife, picking up a piece of wood, and spending the afternoon haphazardly slicing away only to throw your creation in the fire pit, writing off the whole experience as a waste of time and money.

2. Give yourself space and time to improve

Chances are if you are trying something new, you are not very good at it yet. Take some time. Measure your success in terms of improvement, rather than immediate aptitude.

3. Be kind to yourself

I often tell students that it is equally important to notice the successful elements of their artwork as the unsuccessful ones. Sometimes people roll their eyes at me and sneer at what they perceive to be a pollyanna outlook but there is a very practical reason for this piece of advice. When you notice what you do well, you can repeat it and eventually build off of it.

And there you have it! Our first blog post. May there be many more in our future.