Get out of Your Rut! Trying Something New Has Benefits

We all know how easy it is to get into a routine. They’re good because they keep us on schedule, keep us moving forward, and help to create a stable daily life. But they can also turn into ruts and leave us unmotivated to grow.

Some of you have heard my story – in my mid-forties, I changed careers to start a business in a garage. In a different state. Who does that? But sometimes shaking up our regular routines is the best way to grow.

Was I scared? You betcha! But by welcoming the unfamiliar, I achieved incredible benefits for myself – emotionally, physically, creatively, and more.

Is a leap into the unknown for you? The benefits of trying new things can be incredible. Believe me, 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.

You’ll get to know yourself better. 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? The more new things you try, the more you figure out what you really like and dislike – because these preferences are unique to you!

Fear takes a backseat. 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! 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.

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.

You listen to your gut. Don’t make an immediate snap judgement, remember that being uncomfortable is part of the process of trying something new. But if after taking those piano lessons for a few weeks, maybe you’re not enjoying them because they feel too much like homework. Then stop. 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.

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

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

Your emotional health improves. Being emotionally centered is good for you, and those around you. 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.

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. Health bonus unlocked!

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!

Here’s your challenge: do something that you’ve been interested in for a while. Is it designing a new garden or painting your kitchen? Is it joining a writer’s group to hone your story telling skills? Is it volunteering with homeless pets? 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’.