Are you stuck in a rut and don’t know what to do? Has your free time become as routine as your job? I know how that feels, I’ve been there many times. But I’ve learned how to break out of that rut, try new things and begin again. Let me help you by sharing the ultimate tool list for trying new things.
You might be surprised by this but trying new things doesn’t require a lot of tools. You need just two things! An idea and YOU! Of course, if you want to keep track of what you’re doing, then you’ll need a journal too.
An Idea
Trying new things isn’t rocket science. There are so many things out there to learn, it’s just a matter of picking something. No idea is too small. Really. It also isn’t about addressing fears – although it can be. Trying new things is about learning something new or challenging all of your muscles, including your brain. Some studies show that doing new things, even as simple as taking a new route to work, stimulates your brain. It teaches your brain to think creatively.
If you’re already in a rut of sleeping, working, eating, and watching TV then almost anything you do will be new. If you’re afraid to try new things, then read a new book in a different genre. Like fiction? Try non-fiction. Don’t know your neighbors? Go for a walk in your neighborhood or walk around a local park. Like learning? Attend talks given by your local library or go to a local museum. Like physical activity? Join a gym or hike a mountain. You can also check out a previous post, 5 Ways to Try Something New, for some simple ideas.
You
This is probably the hardest part of trying something new….getting “you” to agree to do it. It really is so much easier to continue in the rut. I know, I stayed in that rut for years. Working, cooking, cleaning, raising a son, watching TV and even reading and then repeat the next day. On and on. But getting out of that rut is important. Studies* have shown that trying something new not only increases your brain’s creativity and memory, but it can also improve your happiness levels.
Learning something new, practicing it and mastering it makes you feel good. Not only because you accomplished it, but because you now have a new, positive memory. It also makes you feel good because it may increase what you have to offer to others and it increases your self-esteem. This is accomplished in many different ways: setting a goal and meeting it; socializing with others while learning; and learning new ways to adapt to stress. (Who doesn’t need that?)
It helps to get started by trying something easier, not something with heights or clowns or anything like that. If you start with something easy, then it’s more likely that you’ll complete it. If you complete it, there is a feeling of accomplishment that spurs you to try another new thing. And it’s ok if sometimes you need to bring a friend. There are some things that are just better with friends.
Have you tried anything new lately, if not what’s holding you back? Let me know in the comments below.
* The Impact of Sustained Engagement on Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Trying new things keeps life fresh. I’ve ticked a couple of things off my bucket list, and I’ve also learned that you don’t have to keep doing them – it’s enough to have tried, liked/disliked and then moved on to something new. When I did my stained glass classes last year, even though I loved, I realized there’s only so much stained glass you can have before you risk turning your house into a cathedral!
So true. In my 40’s I tried downhill skiing for the first time. Had a package of six lessons went thru it all and decided I didn’t like it. But I would have always been wondering about it if I didn’t try in the first place. I’ll stick to cross country.
Hubs and I moved earlier this year, closer to a city, and we’ve agreed to try at least one new restaurant a month. I’m going to start taking pottery classes in the new year (something I’ve wanted to do since art class in high school). And we’re taking advantage of the proximity of live theater to go more often. It’s invigorating to try new things!
Great post! Thanks for the inspiration! I retired from my career in May 2016. Since then, I started a blog and embarked on learning more than I ever thought possible about blogging. It’s lots of fun, and I have the feeling that blogging will open doors for new opportunities in the future.
Blogging really does open new doors, including new friendships
Thanks for the inspiration! I definitely was stuck in a rut back in California, but ever since moving to Harrogate, TN, I’ve had to force myself to try different things that I otherwise wouldn’t try- simply because there are very few things offered here to DO. So I just do what comes along. Haha 🙂
From reading your blog, it looks like you do pretty good in the doing new things area!
Lately I seem to either try too many new things at once, or none at all! I need to pick something and dive in, maybe do a little something on the side (I always seem to), but not so much I overwhelm myself and choose Netflix instead ?
Does sound like you’re trying to do too much at once. Just pick one thing and try it.
It’s always a great idea to try something new. I started yoga and taking a mindfulness course!
Two great things to try Lori!
Great point about the person standing in your way is you. How true! I always want to try new things and then chicken out for one reason or another.
If you’re always chickening out, then either start with something smaller or grab a friend and do it.