13 Ways to Try Something for the First Time

Appreciate the small things by trying something you’ve never done before.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? August is the perfect month to get out of your head and into your life.

We are creatures of habit and love the familiarity of our day-to-day schedule. While there is nothing wrong with structure, when we do the same thing every day—especially when we forget to bring a sense of gratitude into our life—we become numb to the extraordinary, which is found in the seemingly ordinary moments. We often miss the wonder that is all around us.

How would your day change if you removed all assumptions, expectations and preconceptions? What would your life look like if you saw it through a beginner’s mind? A beginner’s mind is a wonderful state in which to create and cultivate. It gives us the opportunity to wipe our slate clean from our conditioned way of being (if only for a moment) and creates an opportunity for us to view the world, and our own life, through fresh eyes. A beginner’s mind sees the world through the lens of possibility and brings with it a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. This way of being encourages us to become a little less rigid and allows us to bring more ease and buoyancy to our days.

As summer moves into the home stretch, why not use this month to rediscover the magnificence of your life by shaking it up ever so slightly? When we step out of the familiar we open the door for awe and wonder to enter. Both of these are powerful strengths to cultivate as they allow us to expand our vision, our passion and our potential.

The idea is to move out of your comfort zone just enough that it doesn’t cause anxiety, yet it challenges you just enough to rekindle your sense of curiosity. This space is also known as flow state. Flow is active recovery for your brain. It brings you into the present and allows you to step into the mind of a beginner. When we are in flow we become lost in the moment, and as we focus on the task at hand the stress and worries of our life slip away. Flow is good for your health, your mind and your life.

This month, I invite you take the road less traveled and open your eyes to the incredible opportunities that wait for you in the unexplored pockets of your life.

Create a list of new to-do’s, and then once a week for the next month step out of the familiar and get lost in the possibility of new adventures. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Try a new restaurant and try a new type of cuisine.
2. Find a new place to hike or trail to explore.
3. Visit a new neighborhood and go to a museum.
4. Go to your local library and check out a book that you would not normally read.
5. Read the book that you picked up from the library.
6. Do one act of service for someone you do not know.
7. Try a dance class—even better try it with your partner.
8. Take a cooking class.
9. Learn a new language.
10. Create a new outlet for your artistic talents, perhaps painting, journaling, pottery making or knitting.
11. Watch a sunrise and a sunset on the same day.
12. Pull out your dusty bike and ride outside again.
13. Change your route to work.

This month do something for the first time. Move out of your comfort zone, become a beginner again and get lost in your magnificent life.

Photo credit: Zulman, Thinkstock