The Truth About Starting Anything New (Like Tea, Business, or Fitness)

"Am I Doing This Right?"

You ever start something new and feel completely lost? Like you’re stepping into a world where everyone seems to know the rules—except you.

Maybe it’s getting into fitness, launching a business, or even something as simple as learning to appreciate tea. No matter what it is, the beginning always feels like you're doing it wrong. And that’s where most people quit.

But here’s the truth: the only real mistake is not trusting yourself.

Step 1: Trust Your Own Judgment

When I first got into tea, I had no clue what was "good" or "bad." Some people swore by expensive aged teas, while others told me they tasted like an old attic. I remember sipping a cup of shu cha (熟茶, shú chá) and thinking, “This tastes like wet leaves in a basement.”

Guess what? I was right—for me.

And that’s the first lesson: what’s “good” doesn’t matter if it’s not good for you.

• If a workout plan feels impossible to stick with, it’s not a good plan—for you.

• If a business idea sounds exciting but makes zero sense to execute, maybe it’s just a dream, not a plan.

• If a tea smells off or makes you feel weird, don’t drink it—no matter how expensive it is.

Your gut feeling matters. Trust it.

Step 2: Know the Basics, Then Break the Rules

Most beginners ask, “What’s the right way?” But there is no single right way—only foundational principles.

Here’s what I wish someone told me earlier:

1. Start clean. If a tea tastes “dirty” to you, stop drinking it. If a business deal feels shady, walk away. If a workout feels unsafe, don’t do it.

2. If it makes you feel bad, it’s wrong. Doesn’t matter what experts say—if something messes with your body, mind, or instincts, don’t force it.

3. Give things a second chance, but not forever. First impressions aren’t always right. Maybe you just weren’t ready. That said, if you still hate something after a few tries, move on.

This applies to more than just tea. A Yixing zisha teapot might seem unnecessary at first, but once you start noticing the subtle difference it makes, you might change your mind. Same with lifting weights, running ads, or eating foods you once swore off.

Step 3: Progress Means Expanding Your Taste (and Tolerance)

When I started drinking tea, I couldn’t stand certain flavors. Shu cha (熟茶, shú chá) was weird. Shou mei (寿眉, shòu méi) didn’t feel like real tea. Shi cang (湿仓, shī cāng) smelled musty.

But over time, my perspective changed—not because the tea changed, but because I did.

That’s how growth works in everything:

• The business strategies you once ignored? They start making sense.

• The workouts that seemed pointless? You begin to feel their effects.

• The foods (or teas) you rejected? You find yourself appreciating the depth in their flavors.

Here’s the paradox: the more you learn, the more you tolerate—but that doesn’t mean you lower your standards. It means you develop the ability to see value where you once saw nothing.

Final Thought: Keep Moving, Keep Learning

Most people quit too early. They try something once, feel uncomfortable, and assume it’s not for them.

But everything worth doing feels weird at first.

• First time drinking a complex tea? Confusing.

• First time lifting heavy? Uncomfortable.

• First time running a business? Overwhelming.

The trick isn’t to force yourself to like everything—it’s to keep going long enough to know what’s truly not for you and what’s just unfamiliar.

So if you’re just starting something new, here’s my best advice:
Trust yourself, but don’t stop at first impressions.

Because sometimes, what seems like a mistake at first... is actually just the beginning.

FAQs

1. What if I really hate something, even after trying it multiple times?
Then it’s not for you—at least not right now. Move on. You can always revisit it later.

2. How do I know if something is “bad” or if I’m just not used to it?
If it makes you feel bad (physically or mentally), it’s bad for you. If it just feels unfamiliar, give it time.

3. Why do people seem to like things that are obviously terrible?
Because taste (in tea, business, fitness, etc.) is personal and evolves over time. What’s weird today might be gold tomorrow.

4. How do I push past the beginner phase?
Keep showing up. Keep experimenting. Keep learning. Most people quit—so if you don’t, you win.

You might not love where you are now, but trust me—if you stick with it, you’ll look back and be shocked at how far you’ve come.