The First Pancake Rule

There is a concept in Zen called “beginner’s mind” that can be very useful this time of year (and throughout the year).

In a nutshell, beginner’s mind is “dropping our expectations and preconceived ideas about something, and seeing things with an open mind, fresh eyes, just like a beginner.”

Why is this important? So much of life in today’s world seems to be about always having the answers. We can look up anything at a moment’s notice. I find this often leads to nobody admitting that they don’t know something or aren’t good at something.

But here’s the thing: if you want to learn something new, improve your skills, and have fun, you must be willing to be a beginner. You have to be willing to suck at something if you eventually want to be good at it.

As the saying goes, the first pancake usually sucks (or something like that). I recently learned that a French version of this translates to “The first crepe is for the dog.” I love it.

I thought this was just a pithy saying, but there seems to be a genuine reason for this. The pan hasn't heated evenly for the first pancake (or crepe), and there is too much butter, so the first one doesn’t turn out great.

Put another way: making good pancakes REQUIRES the first one to suck.

So, if you have a goal for the New Year (or any time of year), the important thing is that you just get started. The first metaphorical pancake will probably suck, but that is ok. In fact, it is necessary.

You need to be a beginner. Not only is this okay, but it can also be very freeing. In Zen, part of the goal is to cultivate a beginner’s mind more and more. Sure, we learn and grow, but we also take things as they are and realize that being a beginner is an essential part of life.

Be playful.

Start slow.

Whatever goal you set, make the starting point so simple and silly that you have no choice but to start.

Want to move more? Walk to the mailbox.

Want to meditate? Sit quietly for 10 seconds.

Want to read more? Read a single sentence.

You probably won’t stop there, but even if you do, that’s fine. You’ve gotten the first pancake out of the way.

Embrace a beginner’s mind, make your first pancake, and enjoy the fact that it sucked. Maybe you can even make a goal about something you know you’ll stink at because you actually are a true beginner.

An excellent essay on beginning from one of my favorite writers, David Whyte opens like this:

“Beginning well or beginning poorly, what is important is simply to begin, but the ability to make a good beginning is also an art form. Like picking up a new and unfamiliar musical instrument, the first necessary step involves taking the time to get a simple clear note, usually the simple clear note of forgiveness that comes in allowing yourself the right at this stage, not to know anything at all.”

-David Whyte

Consolations

Adults take themselves too seriously sometimes. Go play until you hear that “simple clear note” that says you’re onto something.

If you’ll excuse me, I’m hungry for pancakes (I wonder why).

P.S. What is your favorite kind of pancake?

P.P.S. Chocolate chip is the only correct answer :)