Time to try something new

Many people lead quite a routine life. Often, there’s a fear of doing something for the first time.

We tend to take the same journey to work each day, face the same challenges at work, eat at the same restaurants, follow the same schedule at the weekend, run the same route, enter the same races each year. Same same.

 

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

This is a great question to ask yourself.

 

Usually it provokes puzzled expressions, wry laughter, a questioning ‘why?’ and some soul searching. Many people can’t think of anything. Their lives are so routine they haven’t done anything new for years. Because of this, they’ve become fearful of trying new things. They don’t like the uncomfortable feeling that comes with not knowing.

 

For those who do try something new the follow up question is: “so – how did it feel?”.

Typically the responses are positive. If we can overcome the discomfort, it’s natural for us to enjoy doing new things: it’s stimulating, satisfying and fun. It makes us feel good and leads to an improved outlook on life. It makes us happy!

 

Every day we are presented with an opportunity to try something for the first time: perhaps cook something new, or make a new contact at work, enter a new race, learn to juggle, sky-dive, try trail running, anything!

 

There are two key benefits:

– The immediate ‘buzz’ of the new activity (especially if you’re sharing it with someone else).

And there is also a more profound benefit too.

– You’ll become more confident, more creative, and better able to accept change as part of your life. As you do more new things, you’ll find that change becomes less scary and easier to embrace. You can begin to learn, unlearn and relearn skills that give you a greater chance of success in life.

 

Give it a go, you’ll see the benefits.