Why would you cross the road?
What would you do if you could do anything?
Would you hike the Appalachian Trail? Go fishing? Spend all day with your grandkids? Enroll in that painting course you’ve always thought about?
What would you do?
Push past the trivial answers and really think about it. If income, health benefits and practicality were not an issue—what would you do?
What skills would you gladly pursue, even if it took a lot of practice before you advanced beyond the beginners’ stage? What would you enjoy doing even if you never got past the beginners’ stage? Watercolors? Ballroom dancing? Archery? Web design? Bee keeping?
Why aren’t you doing those things now?
Maybe you need a new perspective.
Think about it this way: When you are about to die and you look back over your life, what are you going to regret not doing?
Take some time to let the question sink in. Do you want to reach the end of your life only to realize you spent your time doing stuff that didn’t matter instead of the stuff that could have? When you look back, will you immediately recognize that unreached dream, that thing you always wished you could do but never had the courage to start?
What holds you back?
Fear of failure What if you find out you aren’t good at it? So what? First of all, how do you know you’re not good at it until you try? And who said you had to become a pro in order to enjoy it? Stop comparing yourself to the experts and instead ask yourself if you’re having fun. Trying new things is good for us regardless of mastery, so long as it stretches us. So stop worrying about the results and go for it, even if you’re afraid you don’t have what it takes.
Fear of what others might think Afraid of looking ridiculous or impractical? Don’t let it stop you. Anyone can look ridiculous when they first try something new. And what is practical about any hobby? My husband’s definition of a hobby is: any activity on which you spend more money than you can justify. Then again, how do you calculate the value of personal growth and happiness? I’d say personal growth is more important than impressing your neighbors.
Fear of being wrong What if you try it and discover that wasn’t your thing after all? Was it a waste of time? Not if you learned something, about yourself. Not if you believe that God uses all of our experiences for his purposes. Mistakes are a part of learning. Don’t be afraid to make them.
Fear of the unknown Playing it safe is a surefire way to live a dull life. The best remedy? Keep trying new things, because you never know what might catch your interest, or what might combine with a skill you already have to open a whole new vista of opportunity. If the unknown terrifies you, take small steps. Try something that pushes you a teeny bit outside your comfort zone. And then take another step. And don’t forget to look back and congratulate yourself for being brave enough to take a risk, even if it didn’t turn out like you’d hoped. You still proved you could do it, didn’t you?
So, I’ll ask you again: What would do if you could do anything? What new thing might it be fun to try?
What is keeping you from doing it?
My challenge for the week: try something new. I will be. I hope you will too.
And have fun doing it.
It is good to love many things, for therein lies true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” ~Vincent van Gogh
Want help trying something new? Here are some suggestions:
30 new things to try, from Lifehack.
52 fun things to try. One for each week
10 tips for learning something new
Photo Credit: FrenchKheldar via Compfight cc
