You know the feeling…there’s something you’d really like to change, or improve, or even do differently but the whole fear of the unknown thing creeps in. But did you know that pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone (or often discomfort zone!) is actually really good for us?
Trying something new helps us overcome our fears, and it helps us broaden our minds – not only do we learn something new, like a skill, or a fact, or a way of handling a situation, we learn heaps about ourselves too. And often we’re pleasantly surprised by just what we are capable of.
It’s not just about learning a new skill either….
Trying something new isn’t limited to a new skateboard trick or a new hobby or a new song on your guitar – these are great too…but what about trying a new way of expressing yourself to deal with a tricky situation? Or a new approach to an old problem that never seems go away? We all face roadblocks from time to time and considering new ways to approach and resolve the problem can give us fresh perspective. After all, it was Einstein who taught us that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome!
Your brain loves trying new things too
Did you know that trying new things has all kinds of positive results?
- It wakes up brains and makes happy hormones called endorphins
- It can cause lightbulb moments— like realising you like doing something and are good at it too
- It can give you a buzz and keep your mood up for a long time
- It might trigger a new idea about where your future might lead.
And it doesn’t need to be something wild and crazy to experience the rush. Sometimes just trying a new twist on an old favourite activity is enough to send the happy hormones into a spin. And if you’re stuck in a rut, take a look at your daily routine and see whether you can change things up a little there too.
Ready for a positive change?
With so much to be gained, start by asking yourself, when was the last time you tried something for the first time? And then ask, ‘what’s stopping you’?
Today is the perfect day to try something new – don’t waste another moment!
