… A question I’ve had to ask myself quite a few times.
When something is extremely new, it always feels like it’s also extremely hard.
In fact it feels impossible.
The first time for anything has a way of making you feel like you were just born.
The very first time you see it, hear about it, learn about it and worst, have to apply the knowledge, it feels like you’re climbing a steep mountain and you don’t have a rope or anchor to hold you up. You feel like there’s no support beneath you and at any minute you can fall, crash and die!
It’s slow torture.
But it’s because something that’s new obviously hasn’t been processed by your brain.
I’m no scientist, but I’ve studied psychology and sociology, and I know that if I’ve never done it or been exposed to it there’s no blueprint for it in my brain.
This is where we make the distinction between fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. At some point, we will be called on to utilize untapped intelligence to achieve new goals. But no need to worry; even though the blueprint isn’t complete, your brain has all the tools it needs to draw it.
Crystallized intelligence says, “I already know what this is like; I’ve either done it already or seen someone else do it; I’ve read the instructions a couple of times; It seems simple enough; I’ve overcome this obstacle before; I’ve dealt with this hurt before; I’ve seen this environment before; I’ve been in this environment before; So I can maneuver my way around.”
Verywellmind.com
Whereas fluid intelligence asks you to problem solve in a brand-new situation or environment with no historical data to work with. In essence, you have to “figure it out”. So, it’s like spontaneous intelligence.
Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to reason and think flexibly.
Verywellmind.com
So the question remains; is it hard or is it new?
The answer? Both. It’s hard because it’s new.
I can think a few examples that at first seemed like a mountain I had to climb, but somehow I have long been on the other side; and I can scarcely remember the “feeling” of defeat:
- Learning how to cook (for others to partake)
- Chemistry 101 and 101 lab in undergrad (I loathe natural science)
- Moving out on my own
- Learning how to edit videos for the first time
- Weightlifting with no money for a trainer
- Leaving my stable 9-5 job to become a first time entrepreneur
You’ve probably thought of a few by now as well. And if you haven’t, friend we need to talk. (Contact me.)
Even though I may not be (and you may not be) an expert at all these, at least the impossibility of it has gone. Just like a toddler who has taken his/her first few steps.
After a period of time your brain stores new data – a blueprint; your patterns and your steps become ordered in your new environment, your new habits and your new norm.
If you’ve been troubled with something new that you’ve never been troubled with before, the emotions are going to feel different, so instead of running from your feelings, it’s better to let yourself feel them and navigate your way through them. Allow your new emotional blueprint to form.
Whatever you do, just promise me that you’ll resist the urge to underestimate yourself. Count yourself in before any challenge gets to count you out. If you’re unsure if you’re capable, here’s your confirmation: Hell yea you are! If you need help or support to get it done, then that’s what you look for.
Impossibility is mostly a narrative that you have created because of the resistance you naturally feel at the beginning. Just as with any other area of life, your power is in what you believe to be true. And if you believe you can achieve it or overcome it, though it may be hard, you absolutely can!
The next time you’re faced with a challenge… Something you’ve never done before but you have to do or want to do in order to get to another level, go into it already knowing that it will be daunting and overwhelming; but also knowing that in due time, what was new will become old and familiar. Take your time. Be patient, trust the process and be amaaaaazed!
Intentionally Yours,
Juanita Michelle
LMSW | Personal Mastery Coach | Lifestyle Blogger
Be Bold. Be Free. Be You. Period.