Being really bad at it

I took up squash because it was like tennis but the ball came back, and it happened in a room with aircon. Teenage me was especially in favour of the latter point.

I got good at it. But my technique was sloppy and my aim was all over.

A coach showed me some basic technique, which made sense to me.

Implementing this technique meant I was really bad at it for a few months. That was not a great time for my fragile young ego.

I think about this time when I am learning something new, adjacent to what I already know. Being really bad at it, ultimately gave me the control and enjoyment I wanted.