I recently went shopping for hiking boots at REI, and even though I’ve hiked plenty in my lifetime, I approached it as if I were a total beginner. I have super narrow feet, so finding the right fit is key, but what really surprised me was how much I learned just by getting curious.
The store associate introduced me to a new way to tie my boots called a surgeon’s knot, and it completely changed how my shoes fit and feel. What I love about this experience is how it reminded me that even when we think we know something inside and out, there is always room to learn. So for today’s Wise Walk, let’s slow down, check our reality, and ask ourselves these questions.
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- Where in your life are you advanced or an expert in something, but in this moment, you wonder if you could learn something new?
- I wonder if there’s something that could enhance my experience or if there’s new equipment that might support me in a different way.
- How do I go about learning or confirming that what I already know to be true is still the best practice standard?
- As you look at your activities, passions, and experiences where you’ve already gained expertise, is there an opportunity to ask more questions?
- Is there an opportunity to hire a coach, trainer, or tutor to teach you what they know and help you see it from completely fresh eyes?
- Is there something you are active in that you’ve been doing for so long that you’ve forgotten that sense of fear?
- Is there an opportunity for you to appreciate that fear in a different way or take on a new challenge to get back into a beginner mindset?
- Where in your life can you embrace a beginner mindset, see what surfaces, discover where you grow, and explore what blossoms by stepping into new challenges or perspectives?
I invite you to get curious in your own life and explore where you can step into a beginner mindset. See what new opportunities unfold and what other aspects of you blossom as a result.
Thank you for listening and for joining me on this Wise Walk. I look forward to our next conversation next Thursday, so be sure to tune in. Until then, prioritize fun and keep embracing the journey.
In this episode:
[02:05] I love that, the gentleman helping me suggested a surgeon’s knot. I’m learning and now I can apply it to other shoes.
[03:55] The knot helps eliminate the give when hiking.
[04:21] I love the interaction. I learned a new trick and I also got curious about where else in my life I can start asking questions.
[06:05] When I was a ski instructor I was resistant to learn how to snowboard. When I finally relented and learned how to snowboard I also became a better ski instructor.
[07:40] Snowboarding helped me learn to relate to my students’ fear.
[09:00] I would like to get curious about and jump into the beginner’s mindset and learn pickleball. I would also like to explore golf.
Memorable Quotes:
- “Even when we think we know something inside and out, there’s always room to learn.” – Mary Tess
- “By staying curious and embracing new challenges, you can grow in unexpected ways.” – Mary Tess
- “Get curious in your own life. See where you can step into this beginner mindset and discover what other aspects of you blossom as a result.” – Mary Tess
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