When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Whether you love embracing new things or put them off until they’re inevitable, whether you’re looking for a fresh start, or just something different to liven up your life, we’re going to be delving into the power of trying new things.
Best of all, it’s an excuse to have some fun!
We are born curious.
For children, everything is new with seemingly infinite possibilities. And, they embrace it. The first time they encounter paint, they won’t just try to make a picture. Most will try to get their hands in it and will even try to get a taste if you’re not careful.
Children will sit in the sea and laugh as they splash the waves, they’ll turn cherry tomatoes into ping pong balls, and they’ll turn a climbing frame into a rocket ship, off on an adventure to an imaginary galaxy.
Some children are more cautious than others and may want to explore more before they launch into activities, but the urge to discover new things, their way, is there.
The reason for this – as we all know – is because children are growing and new experiences are an essential part of growth, so essential that curiosity is almost instinctive at this stage of life.
Teenagers, due to their brain chemistry, can be particularly adventurous, and at times reckless in their quest to discover the world.
But, at some point, adulthood comes to us all. We get into careers, or businesses, and into routines, and families traditions, and other rhythms. Life may go through changes but each eventually falls into patterns of familiarity.
And, that’s nice to some extent. Familiar is friendly. It’s comfortable. It’s more predictable, more efficient. It feels safe.Â
But, what slows down is growth. The time between doing new things, or learning new things gets further and further apart.
That’s why it’s important to regularly ask yourself: When was the last time you did something for the first time?
And, when was the last time before that?
Because it’s not only important to try new things – but to do it regularly.
Why it's important to try new things.
1. Doing new things feels good.
Doing something new – especially if you find it enjoyable – can cause your brain to release a rush of dopamine which leads to you feeling good and rewarded.
Even if the activity is challenging, the satisfaction that comes with completing it can also trigger the release of dopamine while boosting your confidence.
2. Doing new things increases flexibility.
There’s a lot of research happening right now into neuroplasticity which is demonstrating that even as we get older, our brains remain remarkable flexible – like plasticine.
When we learn new skills, our brains rewire themselves as new neural connections are required to support these new processes, helping boost your mental ability and agility.
3. Doing new things creates a mindful effect.
Because a new activity is unfamiliar, it requires concentration.
New activities cannot be done on autopilot. So, we tend to become fully absorbed in them which can create a sensation of mindfulness – a feeling of being fully present in the moment rather than being pulled away by thoughts of the past or future.
Also, if the new activity involves visiting a new place, our senses tend to be more alert, making us more aware of what we see, hear, touch, smell and taste, enhancing mindfulness further.
This is great for your mental wellbeing.
4. Doing new things improves your failure response.
Learning something new involves making mistakes and learning from them. We often learn best from correcting our errors.
This leads to a more constructive response to failure as opposed to a shame-based one. You’ll come to view mistakes as part of your learning as opposed to them meaning you are bad, which improves not only your ability to grow but the rate at which you will.
This is because your ability to learn first depends on how fast you can accept failure and move forward. The longer it holds you back, the longer you are stuck.
Plus, there’s more…
Depending on the activity, new experiences have a host of other benefits such as stimulating creativity, improving problem-solving skills, enhancing your social life, feelings of youthfulness, helping you overcome fear, and other mental blocks.
New experiences can also enhance your sense of gratitude in life and – if you choose to do something charitable or that helps your community – even more people will benefit from what you put in.
Get the most out of new experiences.
The fun begins the moment you start drawing up a list of the things you’d like to try. Just doing this feels good because anything is possible at this stage.
When you’re considering what you want to add to your list, you may want to have some objectives or reasons why you’re going after particular new activities to help you focus – for example, are you looking for things that will develop your confidence, improve your social life, or improve your wellbeing?
Alternatively, you can pick activities randomly, or have a hybrid list.
In an article for the BBC, Professor Alan Gow from Heriot-Watt University – who has been researching the impact of new activities on our brains – has said that activities that involve a mix of physical, mental and social elements seem to be particularly beneficial. Plus, the more engaging you find an activity, the more cognitive benefits you’ll receive.
So, think about this when picking new items for your list too.
What new things will you try?
A great way to draw up your list of new things to try is to take a piece of paper and divide it into four sections with four headings which you can map out your ideas beneath.Â
1. Encounter something new
This category includes anything new you would like to experience from the enjoyable to the wild to the challenging.
Maybe it could be an ice water bath, a new flavour of cheese, rollerskating, camping under the stars, a concert by an artist you’ve never heard of until today. So, go on, what tempts you?
2. Learn something new
This category involves learning a new skill, big or small.
It could be as simple as attending a one-off pottery class or committing to learning Italian. You might commit to reading a certain number of books a year, attend a new conference or event.
Regular learning is vital for your growth. Could you carve out at least one new learning opportunity every week or 15 minutes every day? Make it a habit.
3. Travel somewhere new
This category will bring out your explorer and you can adapt it to your budget. It involves travelling somewhere new.
Maybe there are some destinations around the world you’ve always fancied visiting. Or it can be as simple as deciding to go on different walks locally, visiting local attractions, taking a different route on a regular trip, and so on.
4. Meet someone new
The fourth category is designed to enhance your social skills and confidence. Where could you meet new people?
Consider new social activities, networking events, and conferences. Maybe it’s time for a new mentor or coach. You may also want to meet or see particular personalities, for example at a book signing or event.
Of course, sometimes you can combine the categories. For example, you could learn something new, in a new place with a group of new people, maximising the benefits.
Turn your list into action.
Once you’ve finished your list, put dates against at least ten of the items to turn it from your dream list into your action list.
And, don’t forget to keep topping it up. Your list should keep growing, so you can keep growing too.
I’ll end on one final question: Of all the new things you’d love to try, which one will you be starting with and how soon will you do it?
Key takeaways.
- We’ve been asking you ‘When was the last time you did something for the first time?’ This is because doing new things has many great benefits. It can feel good, creating a rush of dopamine and therefore a rewarding sensation. It increases mental ability and agility. It creates a mindful effect, bringing you into the present moment, enhancing mental wellbeing. It can make your failure response more constructive. And, there are many more benefits too, depending on the activity.
- There are four key types of new experiences you may want on your list. New things you want to encounter/experience. New things you want to learn. New places you want to visit. And, new people you want to meet or see.
- Keep growing your list and, most importantly, put dates against ideas so it becomes an action plan. Because, what counts is doing great, new things regularly!
