Remember the last time you had to try something new?
It was really hard not just because you were a beginner, but because you probably had never thought to identify yourself with that new skill/job/hobby/art form. As humans we love to categorize things to help sort information, but sometimes we categorize ourselves into a corner.
“I’m not a [fill in the blank] so I could never [fill in the blank]”
But you want to do the New Thing so you eventually work up the courage, read a book like Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” and then get to work. You’re probably really proud of yourself for even having the gumption to be a beginner again and find or create a new part of yourself. And I’m sure many of your inner circle cheer you in the process with the familiar adage of “you can be anything you want to be!”
But I’m sure a few jealous acquaintances look at you and go “Why is she doing [fill in the blank]? She’s not a [fill in the blank]! She should stay in her own lane.”
And it hurts.
It hurts to have your work ignored or negated. It hurts that people can’t see past the surface. It hurts that they can’t seem to accept and embrace all parts of the new you. Now there could be many reasons why they have that reaction much of which is rooted in their own insecurity. But it is also just a sad symptom of a society that likes to put things, and people, into neat little categories.
But once upon a time Leonardo Da Vinci was praised for being a Renaissance Man and in the not too distant future I think we will see a time where the exploration of multiple studies and art forms by a single person is the norm. The Age of Specialization is nearing an end and I hope it is a replaced by the Age of Well Roundedness.
This is why I get increasingly annoyed with folks who see athletes or actors who use their platform to raise awareness or funds for certain causes. They start businesses and promote other people and ideals they believe in and there is always a group of people that bully them to “stay in their lane.” The truth is you can’t tell Chris Evans or Lebron James to stay in their own lane then support your friend’s new interest and endeavors. They have already heard your words or read them online. Any support you give rings hallow. You also can’t get upset if you decide to try delve into something new and people look down on you. You did the same thing to them.
If you want the opportunity to try new things and have people’s full support then you need to give it first and foremost to anyone you see genuinely trying whether they are a famous far away person or your next-door neighbor. I think the world would be a much better place if we were much more willing to explore and learn and grow and fail without the constriction of categories.
Don’t put yourself in a category and don’t be so quick to put others in one as well. Leave room for change and growth and multiple layers.
Change lanes as much as you like.