Just because you have practically no experience with something doesn’t mean you aren’t absolutely capable of kicking a** at it, you just have to TRY. Simply getting started is sometimes the hardest part. So, push all of your self-doubt aside, give yourself a pep talk, and some grace because you’ve got this and everything is going to be juuuuust fine.
Whether it’s a marathon, a complicated recipe, a career change or just getting through the grocery store with your brood of wild children, you can accomplish incredible things with the right attitude. Overcoming a challenge is such a powerful feeling, so make a promise to yourself and refuse to break it. It’s timeless advice, echoed by Rachel Hollis in her bestseller Girl Wash Your Face. “When you really want something, you will find a way. When you really don’t want something, you’ll find an excuse,” she says. That applies to literally everything. Relationship goals? Make it happen. Dreams? Go after them. Project to tackle? Own it.
Turns out, life lessons are even learned while going cross-eyed, hunched over a sewing machine, sputtering colorful language as your poke yourself time and time again with pins that YOU put there. It sort of sounds like medieval torture, which is fitting because my first attempt at sewing from a pattern was a Halloween knight costume for my husband. Let’s just say I have a new respect for people who can do it in their sleep. I mean, are those things even in ENGLISH? {Answer: NO}. The struggle was real, but I was committed and not about to break a promise to him or myself, so I HAD to find a way. My advice: Just take a deep breath and dive right in.
I ordered the Simplicity pattern on Amazon Prime. {Spoiler alert: It wasn’t at all simple}. Two days later, the instructions arrived in a neatly folded stack of delicate papers. I didn’t even know what a tabard was, which should have been the first clue that I was in over my head. A hooded cape too? No problem! Looks easy enough. My second clue should have been the addition of lining and interfacing to my list of required supplies. Huh? Nevertheless, I rode the wave of false-confidence all the way through Joann’s picking out fabrics based only on look and feel. Yikes! It’s how much? I basically sold my soul to achieve a domestic diva dream. The word “investment” was starting to echo in my mind. First Halloween, next the Renaissance Festival, maybe a masquerade ball, or perhaps a vow renewal? Is this work appropriate attire?
Another time, I might have turned to online shopping to find the complete ensemble without a single drop of sweat equity required, but I chose this moment to tackle a new challenge. I had a brand new sewing machine just sitting there {for 16 months now} waiting to be used. It was time. I finally had a reason to dust it off and actually open the box. Threading the bobbin and needle only took me an hour, I was off to a great start… eek!
Long story short, I did it and I feel pretty darn proud of myself. It really inspired me to reflect on some valuable lessons learned along the way that have impact far beyond my sewing project and deep into the fabric of life.
- You will make mistakes… that’s what a seam ripper is for! Failure in small doses does not equal failure overall. If you stumble, just back it up, fix the problem… and try again!
- You will struggle to understand the directions… your critical thinking skills will definitely be put to the test, but keep at it and things will become more clear as you go. You’re learning each step of the way. Trial and error is required in all things.
- You will aim for perfection and likely fall short… but that is OKAY! When you step back and look at your finished project you’re going to be so stinkin’ proud you won’t care about the imperfections. It’s about the big picture anyway, don’t be overly critical of each stitch.
- You will need help… don’t be afraid to admit it. There is no shame in asking someone with more experience to lend a hand {thanks Mom!} or explain something that just won’t compute. You can’t be good at everything the very first time. Give yourself some grace.
- Give yourself extra time… it will take longer than you think. Start early if possible to eliminate the added stress of rushing through something unfamiliar. Be realistic about it and just keep moving forward!
- Perspective is everything… you may THINK you have it all figured out, but you probably don’t. I encourage you to keep an open mind and trust in the process. Things have a funny way of working out just as they’re supposed to in the end.
- No pain, no gain… I mean, seriously those pin-pokes hurt! The point of a new challenge is just that… to CHALLENGE yourself. Blood, sweat and tears are often required. Also, wine.
- Stay optimistic even when you want to give up… it will be worth it to see the project through to the end and achieve your goal. As Dory says, “Just keep swimming!”
