We’re creatures of habit.
We tend to make the same meals, drive the same route, participate in the same activities, watch the same shows, read books from the same authors… the list goes on.
So can you tell me, when was the last time you tried something new? I hope it wasn’t too long ago and I also hope it’s a practice you pursue regularly!
[socialpug_tweet tweet=”When was the last time you did something for the first time? #emptynester” display_tweet=”When was the last time you did something for the first time?”]
Here’s why…..
- You get to know yourself better. You can’t possibly know all of your likes and dislikes until you’ve tried a few new things.
- It stimulates creativity. When we participate in a new activity, parts of our brain start to fire up. These connections can help to build new neurons that will benefit other areas of our lives as well.
- It expands your skills and capabilities. You don’t know what you’re made of until you have to work, exercise patience, and dive into the problem-solving that goes along with experiencing something unfamiliar.
- It serves as a great role model for your kids and grandkids. None of us want our kids to peak in their 20’s and spend the rest of their lives rolling downhill. When they see us living life to its fullest it shows them life can get better and better with age.
So what typically holds you back from engaging in new experiences? Here are six roadblocks I’ve found and tips to help you break the cycle.
Feeling fear or anxiety.
Is it a fear of what others may think? Now is the time to quit worrying about that once and for all. I hate to say it, but we’re over halfway, girlfriend. Are you afraid you won’t enjoy this new venture? Don’t worry, you don’t have to keep doing it forever. But what if you do like it and uncover a new passion? If you can push through the fear and lean into the new experience it’ll begin to build courage and excitement for the life you might not know existed. If you’re still feeling anxious, try to think through all the possible outcomes. For example, thinking of trying one of those canvas painting classes? What’s the worst that can happen? Will you spill paint all over yourself? Will your painting of the boat in the harbor look more like a rabbit stuck in a trap? If nothing else, you and your friends will have a funny story to link to a great memory!
Spousal differences.
Often a husband and wife are complete opposites when it comes to how they feel about trying new things. That’s the truth in our house. My husband is always willing and wanting to find new places to visit, new restaurants to try, new experiences to enjoy. Me? I’m content going to the same restaurants and even ordering the same meals. I find comfort in the familiar. So this puts us in a pickle at times – do we try a new restaurant or do we go to our (or shall I say my) tried and true? People that enjoy pursuing new things can often get bored and feel stagnant if they’re unable to exercise that pursuit. So if you’re struggling to jump into a new experience, try thinking of it as a way to show love to your spouse and allow him his needed adventures.
Feeling awkward outside your comfort zone.
We talk about our comfort zone and all too often use it as an eloquent excuse to hang back and observe life rather than participate. Take some time to think of what has built the parameters of that zone. It’s often linked to childhood experiences and the culture we grew up in. Now think past that to all the people who grew up quite different and still enjoyed fun activities. There are endless opportunities for new endeavors.
In the past, you might have tried something new, pursued a new career, new hobby, etc., only to have it crash and burn. This unrealized achievement may influence your decision-making as you think of new options. Embrace your past as lessons learned and mistakes made. It’ll free you and allow you to enjoy new opportunities in the future – seeing them as a growth process whether or not they turn out how you planned. Try to think of what you’d say to your BFF if it was her that was struggling over regret. Offer yourself the same grace and forgiveness you’d readily show to her.
Comparing our present to everyone’s highlight reels.
I’m sure you’ve heard something similar when it comes to social media and the snippets we see of the lives of our digital friends. That brief second captured in that perfect picture is not a true representation of their life as a whole. The same is true for the friend that has achieved something we’d like to try but we’re afraid to look like an amateur or total failure. Remember, a person who has mastered a particular skill took many days, weeks, months or years to get where they are. Give yourself some grace and see yourself as a person who is taking life by the horns and living it to it’s fullest. The fun, growth, and happiness lies in the journey, not the end result.
Taking too much time and effort.
Have you ever noticed that the more you do something the easier it becomes? The same is true for trying new things. The more often you try to branch out into more pursuits the easier it will become. Just like a muscle – the act of trying something new will strengthen and become easier the more you do it.
So what have you been wanting to try? Share in the comments below and let’s encourage one another to break through our monotony and try something new!
