5 answers
sophia
Student
Lowell, Massachusetts
4
Questions
Updated
1071 views
Why is it so embarrassing to start a sport?
Hi, I'm 14 and thinking of trying a sport, but it feels a bit embarrassing when I see younger kids who've been at it longer and are better. Any advice on this? Thinking about ballet, horseback riding, or karate.
5 answers
Allison Bauer
Consultant
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hey Sophia!
This is a great question. I played sports from when I was 6 years old and didn't stop until I graduated college last May. Something I noticed about people who end up being great at a new sport often were not very good to start with, but because they were interested and enjoyed showing up every day, they ended up being successful.
Something to compare it to is people who get famous on TikTok. At first, they have a small following that can be perceived as "embarrassing," especially when doing it publicly. But the ones who end up being successful are the ones that decide that they don't care what people think, and keep making videos because they enjoy it and want to see where that path takes them. And sometimes, it ends with those people going viral, and even making money off of the platform.
If you compare this example to sports, you have to push past the initial feelings of embarrassment and worrying what others may think to be great. While it is uncomfortable at first, if the sport is interesting and enjoyable to you, it could be well worth it in the end. For me, I was not very good at swimming when I was young, and it felt embarrassing at times. But with hard work and dedication, I was able to swim at the college level and made some of my closest friends, made great memories, and even got to travel the world.
I hope this advice helps!
This is a great question. I played sports from when I was 6 years old and didn't stop until I graduated college last May. Something I noticed about people who end up being great at a new sport often were not very good to start with, but because they were interested and enjoyed showing up every day, they ended up being successful.
Something to compare it to is people who get famous on TikTok. At first, they have a small following that can be perceived as "embarrassing," especially when doing it publicly. But the ones who end up being successful are the ones that decide that they don't care what people think, and keep making videos because they enjoy it and want to see where that path takes them. And sometimes, it ends with those people going viral, and even making money off of the platform.
If you compare this example to sports, you have to push past the initial feelings of embarrassment and worrying what others may think to be great. While it is uncomfortable at first, if the sport is interesting and enjoyable to you, it could be well worth it in the end. For me, I was not very good at swimming when I was young, and it felt embarrassing at times. But with hard work and dedication, I was able to swim at the college level and made some of my closest friends, made great memories, and even got to travel the world.
I hope this advice helps!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sophia !
Sports are usually done for fun when people are motivated. If you are feeling less than confident, you may want to go with the one tag you have selected - horseback riding.
The point is that you may feel shy because there are a lot of people around and sports are a judgmental activity if anything is. You have two choices. You can push yourself into a group sport regardless of your drive for it or you can choose a sport done around few people, one that you can practice on your own or with one other person as an instructor - like horseback riding or golf. Even tennis may be a bit more comfortable for you. Swimming wouldn't be too intimidating either.
For horseback riding, I suggest English riding at first and once you have that mastered you can step into Western or Dressage or anything. You can take private lessons. It is so satisfying and you will usually ride around some beautiful scenery, too. Your mind will not be on anyone judging you or comparing to you younger kids. Find a ranch or farm that offers one on one lessons and my experience is that the instructors are mostly very understanding with beginners and give gentle constructive guidance and teach you about the horse, too. It's really fun and something that you do not have to do competitively.
Once you train privately for a sport you will grow towards not feeling so far behind if that's what you're feeling now. By their very nature, sports are competitive and all eyes are on the athlete and opinions and comments abound. That just comes with the territory, but it's good that you have a choice and some sports are not as intimidating as others so do some further exploring and see where your best fit is.
Most importantly, try not to let your feelings cause you to miss out on good experiences - just go for it and the opportunity may not be as bad as you thought. Its good that you have a choice and I wish you the best in whatever you choose !
HORSE BACK RIDING NEAR YOU https://www.newhorse.com/page/ridinglessons/b.511.g.4857.html?page=1
Sports are usually done for fun when people are motivated. If you are feeling less than confident, you may want to go with the one tag you have selected - horseback riding.
The point is that you may feel shy because there are a lot of people around and sports are a judgmental activity if anything is. You have two choices. You can push yourself into a group sport regardless of your drive for it or you can choose a sport done around few people, one that you can practice on your own or with one other person as an instructor - like horseback riding or golf. Even tennis may be a bit more comfortable for you. Swimming wouldn't be too intimidating either.
For horseback riding, I suggest English riding at first and once you have that mastered you can step into Western or Dressage or anything. You can take private lessons. It is so satisfying and you will usually ride around some beautiful scenery, too. Your mind will not be on anyone judging you or comparing to you younger kids. Find a ranch or farm that offers one on one lessons and my experience is that the instructors are mostly very understanding with beginners and give gentle constructive guidance and teach you about the horse, too. It's really fun and something that you do not have to do competitively.
Once you train privately for a sport you will grow towards not feeling so far behind if that's what you're feeling now. By their very nature, sports are competitive and all eyes are on the athlete and opinions and comments abound. That just comes with the territory, but it's good that you have a choice and some sports are not as intimidating as others so do some further exploring and see where your best fit is.
Most importantly, try not to let your feelings cause you to miss out on good experiences - just go for it and the opportunity may not be as bad as you thought. Its good that you have a choice and I wish you the best in whatever you choose !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
David Fryrear
Head of Quality Assurance
39
Answers
Libertyville, Illinois
Updated
David’s Answer
Michelle's response is truly exceptional. Seeing your query made me eager to offer some uplifting words. In our youth, we tend to place a lot of importance on what others think of us. Regrettably, some peers might take advantage of this to pass negative remarks. However, don't let this discourage you from pursuing things that bring you joy and personal growth. The friends you'd want to keep are those who support and encourage you. Anyone who makes you feel inferior isn't worth your friendship, and chances are, they won't be part of your future. So, focus on doing what makes you happy and contributes to your personal development. Embrace the learning journey and relish every moment of it.
Sign up for the sport, do your best, and focus on yourself and not what others may say or think.
David recommends the following next steps:
Thomas Rivera II
Mentor @ IMG Academy
21
Answers
Bradenton, Florida
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hello Sophia!
I recommend trying every sport/activity that you are curious about. You will learn to be confident once you have been able to evaluate or reflect on your first several experiences. Ballot, horseback riding, and karate all start with stepping out of your comfort zone. These sports will also have kids who have been riding, dancing, and competing a lot longer than you. Ultimately, there will always be someone more experienced than you in anything you do; however, these are the people to learn from in any subject area. Let me add that humility is key in our development! In the wise words of Robert T. Kiyosaki, "Humility is the first step towards learning. You can't learn until you are humble enough to realize there is something for you to learn." You will not know the activity is fun or if you are really good at it until you try it! Just go for it!
Good luck!!
I recommend trying every sport/activity that you are curious about. You will learn to be confident once you have been able to evaluate or reflect on your first several experiences. Ballot, horseback riding, and karate all start with stepping out of your comfort zone. These sports will also have kids who have been riding, dancing, and competing a lot longer than you. Ultimately, there will always be someone more experienced than you in anything you do; however, these are the people to learn from in any subject area. Let me add that humility is key in our development! In the wise words of Robert T. Kiyosaki, "Humility is the first step towards learning. You can't learn until you are humble enough to realize there is something for you to learn." You will not know the activity is fun or if you are really good at it until you try it! Just go for it!
Good luck!!
Katie Jacobs
Strategy Consultant
8
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Sophia!
You should be very proud of yourself for being open to starting a new sport. Trying new things is always an important part of growing and learning in life. Keep up that attitude of curiousity and growth.
Remember that you are on your own journey of experiences. Try not to compare yourself to others-- they are on a different path than you. If you are interested in a new project, hobby, or sport, try to dive and and focus on YOUR own progress and trying to get 1% better every practice, and use your own development as a baseline.
I started many sports later than others. For example, I picked up Lacrosse in highschool while other girls had played their whole lives, and it was not my main sport. It turned out to be a very fun adventure and I met many people who are my friends still today. I would suggest looking in to TEAM sports, as it helps develop connections and irreplaceable lessons on leadership and friendship.
You got this!
Katie
You should be very proud of yourself for being open to starting a new sport. Trying new things is always an important part of growing and learning in life. Keep up that attitude of curiousity and growth.
Remember that you are on your own journey of experiences. Try not to compare yourself to others-- they are on a different path than you. If you are interested in a new project, hobby, or sport, try to dive and and focus on YOUR own progress and trying to get 1% better every practice, and use your own development as a baseline.
I started many sports later than others. For example, I picked up Lacrosse in highschool while other girls had played their whole lives, and it was not my main sport. It turned out to be a very fun adventure and I met many people who are my friends still today. I would suggest looking in to TEAM sports, as it helps develop connections and irreplaceable lessons on leadership and friendship.
You got this!
Katie
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment