The world is full of experiences, cultures, ideas, and more. As we live our lives, how do we find time to be a part of all of that? It is easy to get stuck in habits, becoming comfortable and unwilling to try new things. But, Neale Donald Walsch said it best when he stated, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Here are some reasons for you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things!
- It makes you a more open person
From our own perspectives, another person’s way of living can seem so foreign and hard to understand. It is easy to block out what others do and focus on our own perspective. However, there is so much value in exploring these different ways of life, traditions, foods, practices, rituals, and more! LifeHack.org states, “We have seen many people whose myopic idea of another culture, tradition, and perspective only enlarges their ignorance.” The word myopic means nearsighted, so you only see what is directly in front of you. When you try new things you see more. You lose ignorance and become even more open to other new things. When you try something new, you gain a better understanding of whatever it is you are trying. This can lead to many positive experiences, which will only make you more open as time goes on.
- It helps you discover your skills
Many have heard the phrase, “you never know unless you try.” This statement can really apply to trying new skills. How is one supposed to know their capability if they do not test it? How is one supposed to reach their full potential if they do not grow? Trying new things can add to your toolbox of skills. You can find what you are good at and if you want, stick to it. Or, you can keep trying other new things and learning new skills. One cannot find buried treasure without digging. You cannot discover your skills without trying.
- It makes you happier
When we fill our lives with a variety of experiences, our lives can become fuller. Studies even back this up! Time.com states, “Psychologist Rich Walker of Winston-Salem State University looked at 30,000 event memories and over 500 diaries, ranging from durations of 3 months to 4 years, and says 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.” Having many experiences in life allows you to meet more people, learn new things, have more memories, and feel more useful. These can all individually lead to a happier state of being. Trying new things can make one feel more courageous, excited, and grateful. Dr. Jordan Metzl states, “Trying something new that shakes up your routine can really give you a fresh perspective and get you excited.” It is always fun to have something new or fresh to look forward to, and trying new things gives you that chance!
What steps can you take to allow yourself to try new things in life? What are things you might be slightly scared of? What can you do to get over that fear? VeryWellMind.com suggests starting small. “Gradually exposing yourself to new things in small doses can help you get used to new experiences.” As they say, practice makes perfect, and as you practice the act of trying new things, even if it is little by little at first, you will find yourself becoming more comfortable with it.
-Written by Hannah Judd
