Close your eyes and think back to when you were a child. Imagine the sights, smells, and feelings you had. Everything was filled with magic, whether it was seeing a new bug for the first time or learning your ABCs. 

Unfortunately, many of us lose this sense of awe as we age. Our different experiences, biases, and beliefs tint our once rose-colored glasses. 

But you don't have to lose your sense of childlike wonder and limitlessness. Here are five ways you can maintain limitless motivation through the beginner's mindset.

Say 'yes' more
Being open to new experiences is one of the core principles of the Beginner's Mindset. It means welcoming the unfamiliar and stepping outside your comfort zone. When you notice a sense of fear with something new, that's a good sign that you should pursue it.

One of the easiest ways to open yourself to new experiences is simply saying "yes" to opportunities, even when they seem outside your comfort zone. A friend invites you to a dance class. Say yes. There's an open mic at a coffee shop? Give it a try. The more you say yes, the more you'll create growth opportunities.

Ask questions without shame
One of the hallmarks of the Beginner's Mindset is the ability to ask questions freely, without fear of looking inexperienced. It's easy to hesitate to ask questions, worrying people will think we're not smart enough or that we should already know the answers.

However, questions are among the most powerful learning and personal growth tools. Here are some questions to keep in your back pocket:

"What can I discover here?"

"How did you come to that conclusion?"

"What did I do well, and what could I work on?"

"What's something I haven't considered yet?"

Asking questions without shame shows you're committed to learning and improving, no matter how much experience you have. Remember, the most intelligent people don't have all the answers—they're the ones who never stop asking questions.

Leave your ego at the door
One of the biggest barriers to adopting a Beginner's Mindset is the fear of looking foolish. Many people are too concerned with how others perceive them to truly engage in new learning experiences. The ego can trap you in a cycle of avoiding things you're not already good at.

Accept that it's okay to be bad at something, especially when you're starting. Everyone has to start somewhere. Focus on your growth rather than worrying about how others see you.

Celebrate each victory
Progress might seem slow when you start something new, but small victories are essential to building confidence. Acknowledging these achievements will help you stay motivated and focused on the bigger picture.

Remember, "The journey starts with a single step—not with thinking about taking a step."

Each time you make a small improvement or learn something new, take a moment to celebrate. It could be as simple as learning a new chord on a guitar or getting through your first workout class. Recognizing these small steps helps reinforce that you're moving forward.

Stay in the moment
Mindfulness is essential to the Beginner's Mindset because it keeps you present and focused on the process rather than the outcome. 

When you're mindful, you're fully engaged in what you're doing right now rather than distracted by worries about success, failure, or how others are perceiving youothers perceive you.

When your mind wanders toward doubts or judgments, gently bring it back to your actions. Focus on each small step and the sensations that come with it—whether it's the feel of the guitar strings under your fingers or the rhythm of your breath during a run. 

This creates a powerful foundation for progress in anything new you take on.

Stay curious
One of the biggest dangers of aging is losing our curiosity. We limit our growth potential when we stop asking questions and exploring new things. 

The Beginner's Mindset is about staying curious, about constantly learning and evolving. No matter how old you get or how skilled you become, there's always something new to discover.

So, the next time you catch yourself avoiding something because you're afraid of being bad at it, remember: it's okay to suck. It's more than okay—it's necessary. Sucking is the first step toward mastery. Embrace the discomfort, stay curious, and keep learning.

- Forte team