While in Sri Lanka I spent some of my free time from surfing and writing, coaching beginners at Pelana West surf beach. In doing this I discovered that there are two types of distinct approaches towards learning, firstly were people who could focus on the task at hand and then there were people who were disconcerted every time they made a mistake. I don’t need to tell you which ones were the faster learners and the easy ones to coach.
It reminded me of the way I was or sometimes still am, and I have to constantly remind myself, that there is absolutely nothing wrong in making a mistake while learning something new. Let me say that again so you get it, ‘there is absolutely nothing wrong in making a mistake while learning something new’. What also struck me was the amount of times the disconcerted people would apologise when they made a mistake.
If you are one of the people who apologises, then this is something you need to work on ceasing. For the simple reason that instead of concentrating your attention on succeeding, you are worrying about failing and if your coach expects an apology then it is time to get a new coach. Learning is about concentrating on what you are doing, say to yourself if you make a mistake, ‘ OK, that’s what happened, this time I'm going to nail it’.
Miyamoto Musashi was one the greatest, if not the greatest 'Samurai Warriors' of all time, he knew to be the best at fighting it was vital to take ‘one step at a time’. To become the best he travelled Japan learning every fighting technique, which was around in his time, until he had mastered them all.
Learning is about practising over and over until you achieve success, not being dishearten by every mistake.
Consider this well.
Top 5 tips
- Focus your attention on the task at hand
- Don't apologise for or criticise your mistakes
- If your coach becomes angry consider finding a new coach
- Take one step at a time
- Have patience in your abilities
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