Beginning For Beginners with Hamish Blake & James van Cuylenburg

Have we ruined the art of being a beginner?

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With guest host Hamish Blake, we welcome back friend (family?) of the show James van Cuylenburg to expertly guide us through beginners’ mindset: what is it, how can we harness it, and what is the best way to model it for our kids?

In a time where kids are wanting to be the GOAT of a sport they learnt about yesterday, we’re winding back the clock to reframe the anger and frustration of trying a new skill, and to learn just how great persistence is for our identity.

James leads us through why we avoid discomfort, the role of dopamine and reward, and when to allow ourselves to quit something.

This episode contains lots of helpful advice for anyone wanting to adopt a beginners’ mindset, and embrace ‘friction maxing’ as their next expedition into embracing discomfort.

Chapters

00:00:00 The Beginner's Mindset

00:01:32 Childhood Choir Days & The Pressure to Be the GOAT

00:10:32 Frictionless Society: The Dopamine Problem

00:22:08 Friction Maxxing: Inviting Discomfort Back In

00:27:49 Process Over Product: Finding Joy in the Journey