Being a Beginner is Awkward — Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing

 

You know that feeling when you’re doing something new and it’s… weird?

Like you’re fumbling through a task that everyone else seems to just get? You second-guess every step, overthink every email, and wonder if you’re even cut out for this?

Yeah, same.

When I started freelancing, I didn’t know what to charge. My first cold pitch was a cringe-fest. I googled terms during client calls just to keep up. It was awkward, humbling, and honestly — kind of terrifying.

But looking back? That awkwardness was a sign of growth. And it was a good thing.

You Only Get to Be New Once

There’s something kind of magical about being a beginner. No one expects you to have all the answers. You're allowed to ask questions, make mistakes, and figure things out as you go.

Once you get better at something, people assume you’ve got it all under control. But when you’re just starting out, you have full permission to learn out loud.

That’s a rare window. Use it.

Cringe is Part of the Process

If you’re not cringing at your early work, are you even growing?

I’ve kept my first-ever client email. It’s bad. But I’m glad I didn’t wait to be “perfect” before starting. The only way to get better is by doing, and that means accepting the awkward phase with open arms.

• You’ll undercharge at first

• You’ll send weird proposals

• You’ll write bad drafts, lose files, forget deadlines

And each time, you’ll get sharper. Faster. More confident.

Everyone Starts Somewhere

Literally everyone you admire once googled, “How do I send an invoice?”

They started at zero. No network, no confidence, no clue. What separates them isn’t talent — it’s that they kept going.

Being a beginner doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re brave enough to begin.

Awkward = Evidence You’re Trying

You’re showing up. That’s what matters.

Whether you’re starting your first freelance gig, learning how to budget, or just figuring out how to manage your time — give yourself credit. This is the messy middle of getting better.

One day, you’ll look back and miss this phase — the uncertainty, the trial-and-error, the rush of learning something totally new.

So be awkward. Be confused. Be a beginner.

And be proud of yourself for it.