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Do you remember the first time you did a workout class? What about the first recipe you ever cooked? What about the first time you read a book that wasn’t just an assignment for school?
Maybe it led to a complete shift in your career, a change in how you spend your free time, or thoughts that you really need a new hobby. Whether it led to something big or small, that moment in time shaped a piece of your life.
Starting something new led to a complete life change
8 months ago, I started something new. That something new turned into leaving my corporate job, starting my own business, launching a community, building a health & wellness brand, and becoming a freelance writer.
It didn’t all happen in a day and I had no idea that this is what my life would look like, but I’m so beyond thankful that I wake up to this every single day. Reflecting on this major shift, I realized that unexpected and beautiful outcomes often come from trying new things. But you have to try new things to reap the benefits they can bring.
Why trying new things matters
Whether you love trying new things or are more apt to sticking to what’s in your comfort zone, throughout your life, you’re going to be presented with many moments to try something new. You never know where that path might lead you, giving you more information about who you are, what you enjoy, and what you’re passionate about. While some new moments are by choice, others will happen naturally. Though you can’t be in control of it all, the best way to be comfortable with the natural changes is to regularly expose your brain to exploring something new.
Seriously! Regularly exposing your brain to new things is great for making mental connections, increasing your comfort zone, learning, and growing. A low-stakes way to start building this muscle is by exploring new hobbies. I absolutely love to learn, so hobbies have been a low-pressure way to try out new things in adulthood without the need to do it perfectly.
Getting started with new hobbies
A few hobbies I have explored include rock climbing, acting, cycling, writing, baking, drawing, reading, cooking, puzzling, gardening, pilates, weight-lifting, and swimming. While some of these have become part of my regular rhythms and routines, others have encouraged me to explore something different.
Cooking healthy and delicious meals started with me first trying to add more vegetables to my plate. Eventually, I learned the value in seasoning, balancing every plate, and incorporating variety in the meals I eat. Now, I greatly enjoy eating healthy and love sharing recipes with all of you.
Strength training started with me first going to the gym regularly and watching videos online. Over time, I came to understand proper form and technique, what progressive overload is, and how to properly structure workouts. Now, I can deadlift 125 lbs and feel stronger than ever.
Gardening started with me planting a few herbs in a pot, only to watch them die a few weeks later. Eventually, I learned the importance of rich soil, regular tending & watering, and planting a variety of plants. Now, I have 4 large raised beds and am currently experiencing the second successful season with produce in abundance.
The best thing you can do is get started, then worry about fine tuning later on. The more time you enjoy something, the more time you spend on it, and the better you become.
If you want to learn more about the impact small daily improvements can have, check this out:
Ways to build confidence by doing new things
Practice, practice, practice!
Practice trying new things.
Practice exploration.
Practice new hobbies.
The art of practice is something we often forget as adults because we immediately want to be good at something or simply opt-out of the activity because we can’t perfect it. Let’s get over that idea and have fun trying! Go try something just for fun. Pick up a new sport or hobby and just see what you can do. You might really surprise yourself.
A hobby that knows how to unlock the art of practice is yoga. Each time I walk into a class and step onto the mat, it is as if my mind relaxes a bit. I’m reminded that this is just for fun and I can enjoy trying new poses and shapes, without pressure for it all to happen perfectly. This mindset of practicing can take off a lot of pressure, no matter what new thing you are trying. Instead of working or perfecting, your time is being taken up by simply learning how to do something, and to continue to learn how to do it better each time you try.
Whether you want to explore a new recipe or ingredient, learn a new cooking skill, read a book outside of your usual genre, try a new workout class, or experience a new hobby, I encourage you!
You never know what you might discover about yourself. You may stumble upon something you really love. And that is part of the beauty of it all.
Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth
It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, but stepping out and getting a little bit uncomfortable, that’s where the growth happens.
For years, one of my favorite pastimes has been reading. Whether fiction or non-fiction, I love how a story is able to transport you into another world, exposing you to a new set of ideas and feelings. This hobby is arguably my favorite, it’s so versatile and I fully believe everyone could find something they enjoy. Stories are where moments are shared, information is spread, inspiration is found, and lessons are learned.
With such a love for stories, it seems only fitting that I would also enjoy the creative exercise of writing. Though, I never imagined that I would be a writer, whether for my own publication or for magazines.
The unexpected outcome I experienced after trying something new
When I first started writing on my own publication, the risks felt low and I was within my comfort zone. I wanted to share my experiences, lessons learned, and recipes with the hopes of helping people live healthier lives. If just one person could benefit, that would be a win - and look at the community now!
But writing for someone else’s publication felt like a whole other ball game. I didn’t go to school for journalism, I didn’t have any published work, and I had no clue how to go through the process of pitching a magazine.
While it seemed scary, I knew I wanted to give it a try. What’s the worst thing that could happen?
I encourage you to jump without fear, because you never know what might happen.
My first article in a local magazine launched this week! You can read it here: Delivering Deliciousness: 4 Tips for Preparing a Summer Salad That Looks Just as Beautiful as It Tastes
All to say, if you never try something new or step outside of your comfort zone, you might miss out on some really wonderful experiences that shape your life in different ways.
You might miss out on opportunities to help people with your skills and passions.
You might miss out on something you really enjoy.
Trying new healthy habits
No matter where you are on your journey to living a healthier life, I am fully confident that you are able to nourish your body, achieve your goals, and feel good simply by trying something new. You never know what you might end up loving!
Trying new things could lead to wonderful discoveries
A big part of being human is about growing, embracing change head-on and learning as you grow, as our lives continue to be shaped.
I want to encourage you as you head out in the world, embrace change and try new things. After all, you never know what you might discover.
What’s something new you want to try this week? Let me know in the comments.
Best,
Grace
P.S. Thanks for reading! I’m here to help make healthy eating easier so you can feel good and show up well in all you do. To start eating healthier today, join the community so you can access all the Weekly meal plans and nourishing recipes (new weekly meal plan drops every Saturday). Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, and shop my favorite brands at a discount.
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