Awkward on purpose - the power of type 2 fun and the beginner mindset

There’s a kind of fun that doesn’t feel very fun while it’s happening.

You might feel clumsy, out of place, a bit embarrassed, even slightly annoyed at yourself for signing up in the first place. It might be really challenging and feel downright difficult. But later, you’re laughing, you’re proud. You’re already telling the story to someone else. That's called Type 2 fun and the thing is, these moments might be doing more for you than you think - read on.

Think improv classes where you’re red in the face, paddleboarding and falling in, baking bread that doesn’t rise, rock climbing for the first time with shaky legs, or stumbling through a new language. Awkward, humbling, sometimes hilarious, and almost always worth it.

The 3 types of fun

The idea comes from geologist Dr. Rainer Newberry, who spent years leading field trips in the wilds of Alaska. Some of those trips were miserable in the moment: cold, wet, and full of unexpected challenges, but became legendary stories afterward. He started to describe fun like this:

Type 1 Fun: Feels great while it’s happening. Still feels great after. Think: beach day, delicious meal, a good laugh.

Type 2 Fun: Not so fun in the moment, but satisfying in hindsight. This is where the magic often hides.

Type 3 Fun: Feels awful while it’s happening. Still feels awful after. Think: getting lost in the rain with no phone signal, a “fun run” that wrecks your knees, or saying yes to something you deeply regret. No story, no glow, just simply "well, that was not fun".

Most of us naturally chase Type 1 Fun. But Type 2 is where growth lives. Those kinds of experiences are incredibly good for us.

Beginner mindset for a longer, healthier life

When we’re younger, we try new things all the time. First steps, first day of school, first sleepover, first job. We expect to feel awkward, beginner mindset is wired in us. But somewhere along the way, we start to avoid it. We get good at what we do, and stick to it. We avoid being the beginner.

But research tells us something important:

Curiosity and openness to new experiences are two key ingredients in staying mentally sharp and emotionally well as we age.

Even better? Doing it with others. Shared awkwardness has a magical way of turning into laughter and connection.

Recently, someone in a WhatsApp group I’m in messaged: “I want to try padel. Never done it before. Who’s in?” I thought, okay, why not. Since then, we’ve been going weekly. We were all pretty bad at it in the beginning. We're still not great, but that's not the point. It’s fun. It’s movement. It’s social. And it reminds me what it feels like to be new at something in a safe, encouraging space.

That’s the thing: you don’t need to be good at everything you try. In fact, it’s good for you not to be.

Go toward the awkward

Think of something you’ve always been curious about, but haven’t tried it. Maybe because it feels a bit embarrassing or unfamiliar. It could be salsa dancing, drawing, cold plunges, stand-up paddleboarding, or just singing out loud with other people.

This week, notice what sparks your interest, and instead of brushing it off, ask yourself:

Could I be bad at something - and still enjoy it anyway?

At least for now.

And if the answer is even a tiny yes, invite someone to do it with you. Awkward is more fun in good company.

About me

I’m Nelli - psychologist, coach, and big fan of doing things before you feel ready. I help people rediscover who they are (especially after motherhood or a big life shift), one brave, slightly awkward step at a time. I’m just a message away - feel free to reach out for a free, friendly chat!

If this resonates, you might love what we’re creating. Becoming You Again workshop is designed for mums to reflect, reset, and start something new, together.

References:

• Newberry, R. J. (1980s). The Fun Scale.

• Haeussler, P. J. (2022). Ground Truth: Geology and the Origin of Type 2 Fun.

• Suzuki, S. (1970). Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. Weatherhill.