Shoshin - The Beginners Mind

duda • September 3, 2025

Shoshin: The Beginners Mind

I have a little black book I carry around with me at all times.

This 256-page leather bound A5 lined notebook holds all of my thoughts, lessons, musings, ideas and favourite quotes amongst its pages. Safe to say it is probably my most prized possession. I hope to be carrying one of these around with me for the rest of my life. It'll be ace to see a wall of these journals documenting my life in 20 years.

Each time I start a new one of these journals. I nominate a theme/intention for the following 256 pages. This can be something simple like an expectation. It can be a long term desire. Or it can be a habit I'd like to cultivate in the next few months.

When I started this one, it was nearing the end of 2018, I had spent some time reflecting on the year that was, whilst firmly looking towards 2019. You guys have read about my last 12-18 months thanks to my journal and these weekly emails.
(So you don't need a recap)

My intention that I chose for the next few months (and beyond) was Shoshin.

Shoshin ( ?? ) is a word from Zen Buddhism meaning " beginner's mind. "
It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner would.

I was introduced to Shoshin from The Sisu Way - An epic Podcast about Grit, Character, Gratitude and Service (You should check it out)

The more I read, listen and learn, the more I realise how much it is I don't know. If I decide to go into new situations and challenges thinking I know everything (an experts mind) then there is one of two outcomes.
1. I look stupid (Not a hard feat for me)
2. I bullshit my way through, learn nothing and remain the same.

Not anymore (as much as I can help it).
I want to face the challenges that are to come with Shoshin front of mind. Whether it be at work growing our team and our culture, coaching superstar humans to be better, playing football or fostering and cultivating my current and new relationships or simply just reading a new article.

I've spent the majority of this week learning how to snowboard. I am very much a beginner.
Over the years I've probably spent less than two weeks strapped into a board. Early into my career, I was going down a run and my capabilities were no match for my ego. Long story short, I lost control and hurt my knee. I blasted way past my edges and ended up injured. It took me a couple of years to get back on the board after that. Fortunately, I spent a week in Japan last Feb, had a few trips to Hotham last year and am now coming to the end of my second trip to Myoko, Japan.

I'm telling you this because I have been doing my best to approach each day, each run with humility. I'm still learning, and that's ok. I'm getting better, I am improving each day. I truly believe that it is mostly because rather than blasting past my edges, I'm doing everything I can to find the edge and spend time dancing on it. Ensuring that I can continue to improve each time I strap myself in.
I'm asking questions, paying close attention to how the board is feeling and moving. Spending more time in lower gears until I can feel improvement with the harder stuff. This allows me to push it and chase the steeper harder runs through the trees without completely fucking it up.

I don't need to pretend to know things I don't or do things I can't, I don't want to remain ignorantly putting my head in the sand when something comes up that I know nothing about. I want to be able to say 'I don't know' 'I was wrong' and 'Can you please teach me'.

So that's what I'll do. Shoshin. The beginner's mind. Where there are many possibilities.

Which parts of your life do you need to employ Shoshin?

Be a beginner.

Have an open mind.

Wallace

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Recent Blog Posts

Enjoyment. Consistency. Progress. The Foundations of Virtus

September 3, 2025

At Virtus Performance, everything we do, from our coaching to our programming, is built on three key foundations: Enjoyment, Consistency, and Progress. Combined with built-in feedback loops, these principles ensure constant evolution, athlete buy-in, and results that last. Humans are complex, adaptive systems, always changing and responding to our environment. At the same time, we are also simple beings. We repeat the things we enjoy and the things that help us improve. That is why these three factors sit at the heart of Virtus coaching. 1. Enjoyment: Training You Actually Want to Do If training feels like punishment, you will eventually stop. Willpower can only carry you so far. That is why at Virtus, we design world-class strength and conditioning programs that are challenging, but also fun, rewarding, and engaging. Enjoyment is fuelled by our community. You will connect with others, laugh, and celebrate wins along the way. Training becomes more than just another task. It becomes one of the best parts of your week. 2. Consistency: The Secret to Real Change The people who achieve their goals are not always the most talented. They are the ones who keep showing up. Consistency is the real secret sauce in strength and conditioning. At Virtus, we do not just coach. We educate. You will learn why the work matters, how to fit training into a busy life, and how to build habits that stick. Through accountability and support, we help you keep turning up week after week, so results compound over time. 3. Progress: Becoming More Capable Progress fuels motivation. When you can see and feel change, you want to keep going. Whether it is lifting heavier, moving better, running faster, or simply feeling stronger and more capable in your own skin, progress is what drives long-term commitment. That is why our coaching emphasises performance. With structured programs, regular testing weeks, and goal reviews, we ensure you are not just training. You are evolving. At Virtus, we believe in continual improvement. Every program includes feedback loops: testing, reflection, and goal setting that ensure your training adapts as you do. This process creates genuine athlete buy-in because you see and feel the results of your work. Our philosophy is simple. Training should help you do more of the things you love, in a stronger and more capable way. By combining Enjoyment, Consistency, and Progress with our pillars of Community, Education, and Performance, Virtus coaching sets the foundation for long-term success. That is Virtus. That is Better Every Day. Ready to dive in and experience Virtus? If you are ready to enjoy your training, build consistency, and make real progress, come and see what Virtus Performance can do for you. Book a free intro session!