Encouragement: The Difference Between a Positive and Negative Experience

Last Sunday, I took a reverse glass painting class. 

I’m not a painter. Exploring creative outlets is on my to-do list in retirement. I might find a new hobby. I might make new friends.

My new experience was positive. Not for the reason you think.

Learning a new skill means making mistakes. Encouragement determines the outcome of the experience.

There are different forms of encouragement.

Simple, like a nod for doing the right thing.

Specific words about the task you’re working on.

Encouragement can come at different times.

Before the task. We’re often reluctant to start learning a new skill.

During the task. Multiple steps may be involved, or mistakes may be made.

After a completed task. The end product may not meet your expectations. Disappointment affects the likelihood of trying again.

My painting experience began well. It went downhill fast. My background in art doesn’t include painting. Within fifteen minutes, I knew my painting would not meet my expectations.

If I had been alone, I would have scrapped the project. 

I persevered due to the continuous encouragement of the instructor and my classmates. Even at the end of class, my classmates oohed and aahed about my painting. (Which puzzled me.) One took a picture of it! (I didn’t ask why.)

I walked away from my art class, happy I tried a new activity. It didn't matter that I wasn't pleased with my picture.

The encouragement I received made the class a positive experience.

Reverse glass painting won’t be my hobby. I will continue to pursue new art activities.