Overview

Trying new things can be scary and therefore a lot of people don’t often step out of their comfort zones. Psychology explains a lot of this, it’s a paradox actually… Some people are afraid to try new things while others (even though scared on the inside) are actually eager to take the plunge.

Embrace New Experiences: 12 Reasons to Try Something New Daily

There is some research that suggests too much routine and/or the fear of novelty may actually shorten one’s life. If that’s not reason enough to consider trying new things each day, consider embracing new experiences for the thrill of it. For the skill building, and the extra knowledge you’ll obtain. [1]

Here are 12 Reasons to Try Something New Every Day

1. Builds Courage

Stepping out of your comfort zone can help you build courage in doing things you may have felt uncomfortable trying out before. Even if you’re still a little uncomfortable, that’s okay, summon up the courage you need to get going on your new adventure. Think of your courageous character as a muscle that must be continually strengthened. Aristotle focused on courage in his studies and said that we develop courage by performing courageous acts.

2. Possibility to Find Something you Enjoy

Trying something new is like giving yourself the opportunity to dip your toes into a new path of your choosing. There is nothing in this world stopping you from doing something that you love with your life. When you try new things, especially things you might like, new doors will open and you could find yourself in that dream house or dream job you’ve always wanted.

3. Decreases Boredom

One must challenge oneself from time to time in order to alleviate boredom. Even the most routine loving people enjoy a break from the routine once in a while to try something they’ve never done before. Think of it this way, you’re shocking your neurotransmitters and muscles into action when you try new things. We feel better when this happens.

4. Forces Growth

When you’re doing the same things day in and day out, sticking to those rituals that are comfortable will not allow you to grow, spiritually, mentally or physically. Get out there and try new things… forcing beneficial change in your life. Growth requires action, action requires our attention. When you have your own attention, you are more apt to learn more from yourself, and therefore you will grow more as a person. [3]

5. Peace of Mind

Lessen anxieties about trying new things by trying new things, more often. Fear often holds people back from evolving past their own emotions about different situations than what they are used to. Embrace those fears and face them head on by pushing past the barrier that are keeping you from trying new things. You’ll feel better, I promise you. [4]

6. Builds Confidence

improve your confidence and self-esteem

Improve Your Confidence and Self-Esteem. Shutterstock Image

When you try something you’ve never done before, you’re also accomplishing something. Accomplishment brings feelings of success and therefore builds confidence so that you may be better prepared to try the next new opportunity that comes along.

7. Expand Your Social Networks

Staying at home every Friday night might save money and become comfortable after a while, but it’s important to get out once and again to expand your social networks. This can be beneficial for your career and your personal life. [5]

8. Expand Your Worldview

When you’re out in the world experiencing new conditions, your worldview may begin to change – for the better or worse is up to you of course. Don’t forget too that change is the only thing that is certain in life. If you’re not going to do something different in your daily life, someone else is likely to shake it up for you. Be prepared.

9. Self Discovery

Learn more about yourself, especially when it comes to fear. Perhaps you’ll start small but make sure you allow yourself the chance to conquer those fears. You’ll also feel better when you start learning; believe it or not, learning is fun for our brains. Self discovery saves you from getting smug, thinking you have everything all figured out.

10. Lessens Vulnerabilities

This all boils down to fear and routine. The less fearful you are to step out of the box; the less vulnerable you will be to change, which is inevitable.

11. Breaks Monotony of Routine

Also consider that when you have a broken routine, it leaves less room for vulnerability in as much that others will notice your strength in allowing yourself to step out of the comfort zone and henceforth those people that may consider harming you, likely will refrain.

12. Life Satisfaction

happiness and life satisfaction

Happiness and Life Satisfaction. Shutterstock Image

Don’t just live to be alive, live for life. As a side note – It’s amazing to me that some people never step out into the world and experience the beauty for what it is. Once, when I lived near a large metropolitan city with a neighboring state just nearby, there were people I knew that had never been to the neighboring state. These people were prude. Don’t be like that

Conclusion

The practice of incorporating something new into our daily lives is not just an exercise in novelty but a profound strategy for personal development and enrichment. By constantly challenging ourselves to experience the unfamiliar, we not only develop a greater sense of adaptability and resilience but also open our hearts and minds to a world brimming with possibilities and insights.

This habit of seeking out the new can transform the mundane into the extraordinary, turning everyday life into a thrilling adventure of continuous discovery. Ultimately, the commitment to try something new every day is a powerful catalyst for change, pushing us toward a more fulfilling, vibrant, and dynamic existence.

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5 Sources

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

[1] Gardner B, Lally P, Wardle J. Making health habitual: the psychology of 'habit-formation' and general practice. Br J Gen Pract. 2012 Dec;62(605):664-6. doi: 10.3399/bjgp12X659466. PMID: 23211256; PMCID: PMC3505409.
[2] Arlinghaus KR, Johnston CA. The Importance of Creating Habits and Routine. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2018 Dec 29;13(2):142-144. doi: 10.1177/1559827618818044. PMID: 30800018; PMCID: PMC6378489.
[3] Rippe JM. Lifestyle Medicine: The Health Promoting Power of Daily Habits and Practices. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2018 Jul 20;12(6):499-512. doi: 10.1177/1559827618785554. PMID: 30783405; PMCID: PMC6367881.
[4] Glück J, Bluck S, Weststrate NM. More on the MORE Life Experience Model: What We Have Learned (So Far). J Value Inq. 2019 Sep;53(3):349-370. doi: 10.1007/s10790-018-9661-x. Epub 2018 Sep 28. PMID: 31798190; PMCID: PMC6887551.
[5] Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers. (2023, September 22). NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/take-charge-health-guide-teenagers