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You’re A Rookie, Good!

Are you trying something new? How does it feel? Exciting? Scary? Confusing?

Are you feeling like you want to try something new but you’re afraid? (Seems reasonable!)

Have you stopped considering trying new things because you are:

  • too old, too tired, too cranky, too dull, too young, too blah, blah, blah

In this inspirational talk, the founder of ModCloth (which she started at 17), talks about why it’s good and even powerful to be a ‘rookie.’ When we are rookies, we have no preconceived ideas about how it’s ‘supposed’ to work. That makes it easier (and even necessary) to innovate. We ask rookie questions, we make rookie decisions and we hopefully have rookie energy. Learning is energizing.

There is power in rookiedom. I’m not suggesting that you don’t ask for help or get advice from trusted advisers. Of course, that makes sense. But it’s also important to trust your rookie ‘gut’.

If you are accomplished at something but still want to get better or if you want to expand your capabilities, consider talking to a rookie. Someone who knows very little about the topic. They may have insights that all the experts in the world never would have had.

I was a rookie teacher… I cringe when I think of how naive I was. In many ways, I see how those early lessons shaped the teacher I am today. I’m excited to be a rookie again. I’ll keep you up to date on my, ahem, progress.

Photo credit: School Friends  Woodley Wonderworks


2 Responses
  • Carl Hoffman
    February 20, 2015

    I am a rookie in making videos, painting and starting on Tuesday nights I will be taking an improv comedy class. I have made to date 100 videos and I have had more people look at them than heard me preach in my last church. My painting is going well and relatives from Connecticut to Florida have my painting hanging in their homes. I was told I will become a professional when I sell to a stranger. I agree being a rookie is fun and to fail is a potential lesson to learn. Thank you for being a muse to get me in a good frame of mind.

  • Deborah
    February 21, 2015

    Carl, You are the inspiration of all inspirations! Everyday I hear from people, your daughter is so successful on YouTube… I want to do that too, how do I get started?
    Follow Carl’s lead…. just get started! 100 videos. Congratulations. That’s amazing.

    Improv! fantastic. It’s going to be interesting to see how improv improves your videos and your painting. The creative mind needs feeding and yours is having a feast.
    Thank you for sharing your journey.

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