Every expert was once a rookie.

When things feel hard and you worry you’ll never get it right, remember this: every expert was once a rookie. That means the people who seem amazing now were once unsure, nervous, and making lots of mistakes. They didn’t stop because they messed up. They kept going. You can do the same. What helps most are small truths you can say to yourself when your chest feels tight or your hands shake. Short phrases can shift your thinking faster than long speeches because your brain hears the calm and follows it. As a mentor, I want you to try a few simple lines and see which one feels like a tiny light in your pocket.

Here are some short phrases you can use when you need them most: - I can learn from this. - Mistakes help me grow. - One step at a time. - It’s okay to ask for help. - I tried my best. - I don’t have to be perfect. - I will get better with practice. - Breathe and try again. - Small wins add up. - I’m brave for trying.

Put one of these on a sticky note, whisper it before a test, or tell it out loud when you feel stuck. Say it slowly. Breathe. Saying a phrase once can steady you. Saying it again and again can change how you see the whole situation. You can also make up your own line that fits you. Maybe it’s funny, like “Oops, I did it again—learning mode on!” or calm, like “Soft voice, steady feet.” The exact words don’t matter as much as the habit of choosing something kind to say to yourself instead of something mean.

Practice is the secret that everyone keeps talking about. Try one small thing today that scares you a little—read a page out loud, try a new trick, ask a question in class. When you finish, celebrate the tiny win. That celebration can be as simple as a high-five, a joke with a friend, or writing down what felt okay. If you fall, ask for help. If you feel embarrassed, remember that embarrassment is proof you tried something important. And be patient. Getting good at something takes time, not a single perfect day.

You’re not alone and you don’t need to be perfect. Keep a phrase close, take tiny steps, and remember that every expert once stood where you stand now. The path of learning is full of small, brave choices. Make one choice today.