The Beginner's Creed

By Peter J. Denning

• I am a beginner.
• I am entering a new game about which I know nothing.
• I do not yet know how to move in this game.
• I see many other people playing in this game now.
• This game has gone on for many years prior to my arrival.
• I am a new recruit arriving here for the first time.
• I see value to me in learning to navigate in this domain.
• There is much for me to learn:
  • The basic terminology
  • The basic rules
  • The basic moves of action
  • The basic strategies
• While I am learning these things I may feel various negative reactions:
  • Overwhelmed at how much there is to learn
  • Insecure that I do not know what to do
  • Inadequate that I lack the capacity to do this
  • Frustrated and discouraged that my progress is so slow
  • Angry that I have been given insufficient guidance
  • Anxious that I will never perform up to expectations on which my career depends
  • Embarrassed that everyone can see my mistakes
• But these moods are part of being a beginner. It does not serve my goal and ambition to dwell in them. Instead,
  • If I make a mistake, I will ask what lesson does this teach.
  • If I make a discovery, I will celebrate my aha! moment.
  • If I feel alone, I will remember that I have many friends ready to help.
  • If I am stuck, I will ask for help from my teachers.
• Over time, I will make fewer mistakes.
• I will gain confidence in my abilities.
• I will need less guidance from my teachers and friends.
• I will gain familiarity with the game.
• I will be able to have intelligent conversations with others in the game.
• I will not cause breakdowns for promises that I lack the competence to keep.
• I have an ambition to become competent, perhaps even proficient or expert in this game. But for now,
• I am a beginner.