Are you stuck in a rut? Following the same routine every day? Do you want to try something new but aren’t even sure how to go about it? You’re not alone! Don’t worry, you can still try new things. No matter how old we are. Even now, you can still learn how to try new things!
Why It’s Important to Try New Things
Trying new things keeps us engaged and gives us energy. It also helps us to be more satisfied, but get this…it also helps to make us more interesting to other people. Imagine that, people want to connect with you and learn more about you when you have new things to share.
If you’re a retired senior, then trying new things can improve your memory, increase your happiness and give you more opportunities to socialize. These are all important for a happier and healthier life as we age.
Studies have also shown that when older people learn new things it helps their brain to keep dementia at bay. Doing puzzles and games helps to improve short-term memory. But learning complex things that are challenging and difficult is where you’ll see the most improvement.
But if you’re in that rut of doing the same thing over and over, you might not know how to try something new or you might be afraid to do it. This short guide will help you move from fear to trying something small and then onto trying bigger and more complex things.
A Short Guide to Learning Something New
Sometimes the thought of trying something new can be overwhelming, especially if we go to the biggest, scariest things in our minds. Instead, we’re going to break everything down into steps.
Make a List
Before jumping in to try anything new, let’s take a pause and create a list of new things that you want to try. Anything goes with the list. It can be reading a different genre, going out to dinner by yourself, having a cocktail party at your house, planning an exciting vacation, or just driving a new route to work.
The key here is to remember to include those small steps, like driving a new route to work, because accomplishing them will be easier and, in turn, give you the confidence to tackle a bigger item on the list.
Rank the List
Now it’s time to rank your list in order of scariness. We’re going to break it down into those things that are easy to accomplish, followed by medium, and hard.
Easy are those things that require little effort and no money but still require you to step outside of your comfort zone. These are things like reading a new book genre, taking a different route to work, changing the time of the church service you attend, or even trying a new recipe.
This is something I like to call testing the waters or dipping your toes in the water. Yes, they require some effort. And yes, it might get a little uncomfortable. But each of these things should be simple enough to complete, be free, and just take a little time commitment on your part to complete.
Medium items are those things that are the next step up, sort of like going waist-deep into the water. This list might include things like going to a restaurant or movie by yourself, accepting an invitation you’d normally say no to, hosting a cocktail party at your house, or donating blood. And then, find an app to help you learn meditation to lower your stress!
Hard items are those things that can be a little scary. This is where we dive under the water. Maybe it’s time to ride that roller coaster, try a new hairstyle, or host a dinner party. Hard items take more of a commitment in time, money, or going outside of your comfort zone. With the help of Apps and YouTube, learn a new language, study yoga, or Tai Chi, or learn to play an instrument.
What might seem easy to one person can be hard for another. So, don’t worry about what’s on your list or how you order them. What’s important is that you are keeping yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically flexible…especially during these trying times.
Pick One
Now it’s time to pick that one item that you’re going to start with. I suggest it be from the easy list. The reason why we start with easier things is to build confidence in our ability to go out on a limb and try something new. The more things you rack up, the more confidence you gain to start moving up the list.
I hope you find this short guide helpful and I hope it helps you to get out of your rut, off your merry-go-round, and up to the water so you can dip your toe in! I’d love to hear about your new adventures.
We are certainly trying new things around here lately–self-isolating, even more than this introvert usually does! And today starts two weeks of home-school for my boys, whose school district has shut down for the coronavirus. Wish me luck!
Oh, boy. Good luck with that!
Your post is timely Jennifer. We are being tested and needing to do things differently. But I do agree with you. Trying new things can give a spark to your life #MLSTL Sharing
Glad you stopped by, Jennifer. I think next week I’ll post a bunch of free things that people can do in this new social distancing world.
Nice post! I completely agree, trying something new is a great way to stretch your mind and reinvigorate your life. Now I just need to do it!
Guess I’ll need to do a motivational, kick ya in the butt type post next! I’d say have a friend get you to do something but….social distancing…
You’re so right about challenging ourselves to keep our brains active and stimulated Jennifer. I’ve tried a few new things since I left work last year. Nothing too big or scary, but things that take me out of my comfort zone. I don’t have anything on my to-do list atm, but I’m sure something new will pop up soon. The Corona virus is making me change my routines, so I guess there’s something else positive about this pandemic!
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM ?
Thanks for stopping by, Leanne. It doesn’t have to be too big or scary. Anything that takes you out of your comfort zone is something new.
I haven’t been very productive at all during this time. Yet.
Carol, you are such a people person and appear to gain energy from others, that I can see how this might take some time for you to get used to.
I’ve been busy packing to move. It’s not a new things for me because I’ve moved a bunch but selling my stuff online has been a learning experience.
I went through that learning experience (or is it a learning curve?) a couple of years ago.
I’m become a ZOOM aficionado! What a great way to stay in touch. Thanks for these great suggestions.I have a feeling new things are going to be on all our agendas soon.
I love all these! Trying new things can be scary, but also so gratifying once you take the plunge.
So true. Scary? Yes. But when you’re done, it feels so good that you accomplished something. Especially when it’s outside of your comfort zone.
Such a timely post, Jennifer! I went way out of my comfort zone this past month and took a course in digital storytelling. Loved it! Still can’t believe I even walked through those doors!
Wow, I’m very impressed that you took that course. I hope things are going well for you.
I try to do new things and reach outside my comfort zone. But sometimes comfort and inertia reesult in laziness.
I understand all too well, Meryl. That’s why I post about it to push myself out there and hold myself accountable.
I’m always doing something new or trying to make what I’m doing better. It keeps me excitied and engaged.