Have you ever done something so many times that you feel that you know it so well? We all have felt that way in some way or form. But we can break this cycle by just changing our mindset and improve each repetition. In Japan having a Beginner’s mind at all points (even after 100th repetition) makes them continue to learn from something they already “know”.
The term came out of zen which latter became part of Japanese culture as the Tea Ceremony became an important part of life itself. If this singular idea can make a whole country and culture become so proficient in what they do. A student will repeatedly study old and new material even when there is no exam to prepare for. A sushi chef will practice molding rice to place a piece of fish so many times before he has a singular customer of his own. Both will succeed and continue to practice by using a Beginner’s Mindset. Now image what I can do for you in the different parts of your own life.
Using it is quite simple, let go of what you think of the task. By doing this, letting go of preconceptions, it allows you to try a task a new and free of restraint. Next, will be to practice or repeat the steps to become proficient. To top it all off each time you do the task repeat from the beginning by having no preconceptions. Every moment you can turn into a chance to learn and grow.
Family
Now when your parents or Grandparents are teaching or telling you something new you can take it and go beyond. You can learn the wisdom they have been trying to pass onto you, and learn it in a way that is easier to comprehend (because we let go of what held us back before, our preconceptions).
Career
Learn job tasks quicker than the others and improve as you go. Every project will be filled with new life. Writing that report or filing those papers will become a new again. Through this method, you may even be ready for some promotions.
Education
Remember that student I mentioned above? You can use the same method to gain higher marks in your classes or even workshops you attend. Repetition with a little of a beginner’s mind will make every task you’re given just that little bit easier.
Love
Finally, you can look at ever new relationship as it truly is, new. Old relationships stay in the past as you focus your new one. Every step you take with them will become new, not “tarnished” by the past.
This technique will take some adjusting to your mindset with will power. If there is a preconception that will not go away try speaking aloud with the thought in mind and say “ I choose to see love instead of this”. Repeat as long as you need to and as often as you wish.
