As a beginner, if you make a mistake, it will feel like less of a tragedy. Beginners don't have to impress anyone with anything other than their openness to learn. Be willing to say to people you meet, "I'm new at this". If you are coming out of a long-term relationship, that will be seen as an asset, as in: "This person knows how to have a relationship!". Also, being "the new kid on the block" motivates others to be helpful, and to show you the ropes. You are not a threat or a challenge when you're a beginner.
You might invent a new, better way of doing something.
Many of the world's great inventions were mistakes made by someone fumbling around with the unknown. Modern rubber, for example, was invented in 1839 when Charles Goodyear accidentally spilled some of a concoction he was "cooking" onto a stove. Who knows what naive mistakes you can make that will revolutionize dating, at least for you? Don't be afraid to get a little creative if it fails, you'll have something to laugh about, and if it succeeds, you might get very lucky.
You can more easily correct old, bad habits
Opening up your mind to learning new things makes it easier to bypass old, automatic behavior.
***Quote***
"Every situation we face in life is different," says Harvard learning researcher Dr. Ellen
nger in a Bottom Line Personal interview, "and learning from each one requires....mindful
learning, which involves taking in new information in a way that allows us to use it in
different situations....to vary the basics to allow each of us to use our unique physical skills,
mental abilities and personalities to the fullest." (Oct 15, 1997)
***end quote***
Trying new things, playing with the situation, and making it fun for
yourself could cause you to make a mistake, but it is more likely to make
the experience more interesting, and teach you something you need to know.