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
• 00:33:51 Persistence vs Endurance: The Art of Sticking With It
• 00:49:20 The Zone of Proximal Development: The 5% Rule
• 00:53:03 When Kids Get Angry: Co-Regulation & Small Wins
• 00:56:22 Shame vs Motivation: The Choir Director's Mistake
• 00:59:13 James Van Cuylenburg's New TV Show & Final Thoughts

🫖If you liked this episode, you might also love

• James van Cuylenburg - Love Your Wonky Bricks - https://bit.ly/3VZ1O26
• James van Cuylenburg - What’s Your Relationship Status - https://bit.ly/4jFdIrF
• Hamish Blake - Let’s Talk About Self Doubt - https://bit.ly/4jKDwCQ
• Dr Emily - You’re Full of Grit - https://bit.ly/3ULXe6W
• Nedd Brockman - The Man, The Myth, The Neddgend - https://bit.ly/4ilxYvX
• The Academy of Imperfection - Dr Billy Garvey, Paediatrician - https://bit.ly/4Bpwmdn
• Dr Billy Garvey - From Boyz II Men - https://bit.ly/4zpm6QQ

📺 Things to watch

• Unskilled Adult - https://bit.ly/4dYgJQi

🎧 Things to listen to

• You’re A Good Kid - https://bit.ly/4z9u1Sp

📚Research to research

• Gretchen Rubin’s work on process over product - https://bit.ly/4z6UTCu
• Angela Duckworth’s work on grit - https://bit.ly/3WAhuJf

🚲 Things to check out

• Blue Derby Pods Ride - https://bit.ly/4irThwd
• Engage 1 on 1 Psychology - https://bit.ly/3Wev2dg

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The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.