The author reflects on their experiences as a capable novice in various outdoor activities, including Nordic skiing, climbing, and surfing. They highlight the importance of embracing one's current level of skill and capability, rather than constantly striving for perfection or high-level performance.
The author discusses how their previous mindset of rapid skill acquisition and high expectations often detracted from the joy and fulfillment of the activities. However, they have since learned to appreciate the "capable novice" phase, which allows them to participate in outdoor adventures without the pressure of constantly measuring their progress against lofty goals or the skills of more experienced peers.
The author emphasizes that being a capable novice does not mean avoiding challenges altogether, but rather finding a balance where the focus is on the inherent pleasures of the experience, such as the tactile joy of climbing, the camaraderie of outdoor activities, and the simple satisfaction of being in nature. They also acknowledge the potential for their skills to improve over time, but express a desire to maintain a mindset that centers on enjoyment rather than constant self-judgment.
The author's experiences serve as a reminder that the journey of personal growth and skill development in outdoor pursuits can be just as rewarding as reaching the highest levels of proficiency, if one embraces the joys of being a capable novice.
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by Ryan Tripp at ryanwtripp.medium.com 03-31-2024
https://ryanwtripp.medium.com/the-perks-of-being-a-capable-novice-dfad41773a79Deeper Inquiries