The Benefits of Trying Something New

It’s really easy for us to fall into a routine. Routines are good, because they keep us on schedule, keep us moving forward, and help to create a stable daily life. But sometimes shaking up our regular routines is the best way to grow.

At age 44, I decided to make a career change to start a business in a garage. In a different state. Who does that? Was I scared of trying something new? You betcha! By stepping into the unfamiliar, though, I achieved incredible benefits for myself – emotionally, physically, creatively, and more.

So, what do you have to lose by taking a leap into the unknown? The benefits of trying new things are incredible. And it’s never too late to venture out of your comfortable routine. Here are some of the gains you can achieve by trying new things, whatever they may be.

Time becomes more memorable. By trying new things, you benefit from new and special memories that will last a lifetime. Trying something new gives you a fresh perspective. And gets you excited with the anticipation of what might happen!

Fear takes a backseat. One of the best and most exciting benefits of trying something new is that you overcome fear – fear of the unknown, fear of the imaginary consequences and fear of failure. As you practice new adventures, fear transforms from a crippling factor to a minor bump in the road. You’ve created a new routine after all!

Your sense of adventure grows. Your adventurous self is set free when you try new things. These new things can be as simple as a food you’ve never tasted or a recipe that’s not in your usual rotation. Or they can be as complicated as learning a new language or planning a vacation to an exotic, faraway land. Approaching these new opportunities with the spirit of adventure sets us up for success and helps us approach the next challenge with even more confidence.

New experiences stimulate creativity. When you try new things, you challenge your brain to think and adapt. This stimulates creativity. That creativity naturally transfers to other areas of your life. You begin to think about everything differently. That’s amazing!

You learn empathy. Trust me, you aren’t the first person to take up a paintbrush, mount a saddle for horseback riding or attempt to learn Chinese. Trying something new teaches you about other people’s experiences and the struggles they went through to achieve their goals. Empathy and insight into another person’s life are perhaps the most valuable lessons you can ever learn.

You’ll get to know yourself better. The more you try, the more you’ll figure out what you really like and dislike – because these preferences are unique to you! You may find that salsa dancing, making bread from scratch, learning to fly a plane are all things you really enjoy. Or that you don’t. Really, how do you know if you like or dislike a new food, activity or adventure before you try?

Your emotional health improves. Studies show that people who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions and minimize negative ones than people who have fewer experiences. Being emotionally centered is good for you, and those around you.

Your physical health will benefit. There are health benefits that come from constantly developing and living one’s life to the fullest. Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle called it eudaimonia, or the condition of human flourishing or of living well. Today, research posits that the greater sense of purpose and personal growth associated with eudaimonia correlates with lower cortisol levels, better immune function, and more efficient sleep. Bonus!

You listen to your gut. So, after taking those piano lessons for a few weeks you’re not enjoying them? Do they feel too much like homework? Stop. It’s okay to listen to your gut when it talks to you. If a new venture isn’t exciting or fun anymore, take the experience and move on to the next one. But don’t make an immediate snap judgement. Remember that being uncomfortable is part of the process of trying something new.

So, I challenge you to do something that you’ve been interested in for a bit. Is it volunteering with homeless pets? Is it joining a writer’s group to hone your story telling skills? Is it designing a new garden or painting your kitchen? Whatever the new thing is you’ve wanted to try – go for it! You’ve got nothing to lose but your fear. And so very much to gain. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – July/August issue 2021