No matter what your sport, hobby or activity is, it’s almost certainly better with a friend. Besides having someone to pass the time with, it’s nice to be able to share the memories and do something together. Helping someone start up an activity or continue to grow with an activity can be difficult and frustrating if you’ve been doing it a while. I know when we were on the road and new travelers would ask us about getting around or saving money I would have to take a second before I answered and remind myself that not that long ago I too was a newbie, trying to find my way.
My cousins, sister and I are thinking about doing a half marathon together in September. While my sister has run long distance events before, I never have and neither have my cousins. So although we’ve all been running for a long time, we’re essentially newbies at long distance training. We need all the hlep we can get!
Here are some tips, from a newbie, for helping newbies out no matter the activity:
1. Start small. Let me build my confidence by starting with something that’s relatively easy. Let my skills and confidence grow together.
2. Encouragement. Even if I am horrible at kayaking/running/chess/whatever the activity may be, encourage me to keep going. If my spirits go down I’ll stop doing it, I promise you.
3. Don’t scare me with gear. Yea I might think the latest bike is cool, but you’re using words like full-suspension and derailleur and I’m not quite sure what that is yet.
4. Explain things. Start by explaining what I need to know to get started, don’t give me too much information, but enough that I can get going on my own. If you’re sharing tips for long term travel, give me some places I can go to find my own information – then I can come back and ask you questions.
5. Support me. Some days might be tough. I’m training for this half marathon now and I can guarantee you I’ll be doing some serious complaining when my long runs are 7-8 miles. So support me, don’t just blindly encourage me. Listen to me, problem solve with me and share your experiences.
Have you ever helped someone start a new activity? How did it go? Have any tips to share with us?
inka says
Great so see a somwhat different post with very worthwhile tips. I try to encourage older women to travel on a daily basis.
Jillian says
Inka, I have no doubt that you are an encouragement to those you meet. You are an inspiration to those of us who only know you online!
Grace says
I think I am guilty of scaring people with gear because I am a gadget/gear girl. I usually encourage people to do yoga!
Jillian says
Grace, I’m actually a gear head myself, but when I start something new it’s like gear overload! Too many terms and gadgets make me shut off at first. I need to learn a bit before I can “talk shop!”
adventureswithben says
I think you just need to be encouraging throughout the whole thing. Never leave their side and keep things positive by celebrating the small successes.
Jillian says
Sounds like a good plan Ben. You are right, stay by someone’s side being supportive and encouraging and you’ll do more than you ever thought possible to help a newbie!
Jeremy Branham says
Encouragement is always good. However, I don’t think I would scare anyone with gadgets – I don’t have any! 🙂
Jillian says
So Jeremy you are the opposite of Grace! You may not be a gadget person, but I did see how thoroughly you put together that patio last month- perhaps a tool person?
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista says
Great list! Too much information puts me in overload. Just give me the facts. thanks for sharing.
Jillian says
Debbie, agreed! Information overload makes me shut down, give me straight facts and let me sort through the rest!
Lisa says
Jillian, I like this, it’s so true the gear and the unknown words can become intimidating. Good luck with the half marathon!
Jillian says
Thanks Lisa, I’ll be sure to keep everyone up to date!