Trying new things is a way to experiment and build your muscle for when things don’t work in an ideal manner. Often it is hard to be a newbie. For those of us who like to do things well, the experience of in-experience is uncomfortable. You’ll see that you’re able to tolerate and move through this discomfort. You can enjoy the experience itself as well as your reflections afterwards. You build resilience when you try new things.
Here’s some of what has helped me and others try new things
- Curiosity – Even trying new foods requires a certain amount of wondering what that tastes and feels like.
- Willingness to experiment – Pretending that I am a scientist, I can watch and learn with more objectivity.
- Deleting the word failure as I approach the activity – The first step in science is to observe. The new activity may not go as hoped for, and I get to ask, what did happen? What did I learn? I can apply a growth mindset more easily when I don’t think in terms of failure.
- Playfulness – This helps me not take myself too seriously as I try new things. Being lighthearted allows me to have fun, or at least attempt to.
If you tend to stay on the path of safety, start with small new activities like tasting a new food or going on a new route home. Try shopping at a different grocery store; you’ll find it takes a lot of concentration and can feel like a frustrating experience. And you’ll make it through.
As you try new things you expand your world. This allows you to shift your perspective; sometimes even literally, like when I was in the acrobatic ball looking up at the sky. Trying new activities develops courage. Your experience with newness will build resilience. You’ll have more energy and bounce for the situations the uncomfortable situations in your life.
For more ways to develop resilience, contact me.
Dina, Well-Being Coach
203.744.YOU3 (9683)
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