Imagine the first time you tried to swim and all the things you had to figure out, like floating, paddling, and moving from one position in the pool to another.
Most likely, it wasn’t an easy experience. However, for those who keep up with swimming, it eventually becomes second-nature — like breathing.
The thing about taking on swimming or any new experience is that it can often be hard…that is of course until it’s not.
Time, persistence, and a willingness to learn tend to have that kind of effect.
The next time you’re faced with a challenge and say to yourself dauntingly: “this is going to be hard”, do yourself a favor and add three words to the end: “until it’s not”.
This new skill you’re learning is going to be challenging… until it’s not.
Figuring out how to do your best work in your new role is going to be challenging… until it’s not.
Making friends in a new city is going to be challenging… until it’s not.
Declaring “until it’s not” is an expression of confidence in your ability to figure things out.
As an experiment, try taking stock of the skills that you now find easy to do — chances are you have plenty of reason to believe in yourself.