Growing up, did your parents ever say: “Try it! You might like it!”?
After all, we were all taught that we should be like Mikey.
If you’re a parent, have you ever said those exact words (or something very similar)? I know I have. When my son was little, we instituted the “No, thank you” bite. This meant he had to try at least one bite of food before he could declare he didn’t like something. Ironically, it still works today when he’s 17.
What’s interesting about getting my son to try something different now is a lot more difficult than when he was five. At five, he was full of wonder and trust in his parents. Today, with a little more age and experience, he’s less eager to try something new.
He’s not alone. The older we get, the less interested we become in things that are different.
In our journey to live our most full and best lives, our Something More lives, spending time in self-discovery is needed. Part of self-discovery is trying different things and having new experiences.
The best part of trying new things is that there is no right or wrong, and it looks different for everyone. Essentially, it’s experimenting with new activities, hobbies or opportunities. These can be adjacent to things you already enjoy or entirely brand new. You can explore interests that have always intrigued you but haven’t yet pursued.
If you need a little guidance or a confidence booster to step out of your current comfort zones, here are three steps to successfully trying something new:
How to Successfully Try Something New
- Join a like-minded group.
If you’re trying out yoga for the first time, find an intro to yoga class in your neighborhood. You’ll be surrounded by other newbies, have the gift of a live instructor, and can be encouraged by those around you. A Google search will turn up lots of opportunities for like-minded groups for various interests in your area.
- Start with baby steps.
If you want to learn to bake (and you’ve never baked before), don’t sign up to make your best friend’s birthday cake. Start with a simple cookie or brownie recipe. By completing a small task, you’ll build confidence in yourself and your ability to try something slightly more challenging, like cupcakes or a pie.
- Share your successes.
Once you’ve completed five yoga classes and mastered the dog down, or made cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and a coffee cake, share your excitement and successes with a friend. Not only will they share in your excitement and cheer you on, but you will also have encouraged them that they, too, can try something new.
I came from a Southern family who believed in the gift and duty of cooking. I, however, had zero interest in making anything more than instant grits, ramen noodles and grilled cheese. Around 2006, I discovered Rachael Ray and her 30 Minute Meals. Something in me clicked, and suddenly I wanted to cook all the things. But I needed a recipe.
Nearly 20 years later, I had a desire to break free from the recipe. I wanted to take my limited kitchen knowledge and learn to use it to make something on my own, with just what I had available to me. I shared this desire with my coach, Retha, who immediately directed me to Bri McKoy. Bri’s passion is the Everyday Cook in the Everyday Kitchen. I have almost finished taking her Everyday Kitchen Masterclass online and have learned so much! I can now talk about layers of flavor and spice, cuts of meat and how to know when your pan is hot enough. My baby steps into cooking may have taken 20 years, but I’m so glad I continued to learn.
Being on a journey of self-discovery is giving yourself permission to step out of your comfort zone, try new things and explore your interests.
Kelly Weaver says
Great newsletter again!! Thank you for the great reminder!! The greatest things can often be discovered right on that other side of fear!! XO~Kelly