Importance of trying new things
Trying new things can be incredibly daunting for some reason. A lot of us might already have our hobbies figured out - we know what we do and don’t like and we often act on this in our free time. But when was the last time we tried doing something new? Many of us are afraid of trying new things simply because we are afraid that we will be bad at them or that we won’t enjoy it at all. This is an element of perfectionist thinking - being afraid to step out of your comfort zone purely because you are afraid to fail in the slightest. The only way to combat this thinking is to try new things often and force yourself to be comfortable with stepping outside of your comfort zone.
When we talk about trying new things it could literally be anything: food, an activity, meeting new people or going somewhere new. It’s completely up to you. Think about what you're interested in, and then see if there’s anything related to what you like that you haven’t done before. That would be a great place to start. For example, if you like eating at certain restaurants, go to a different one, or start cooking. If you like watching films, think about going to the theatre. You never know you’ll like something until you try it. If you are still nervous, it’s a good idea to try these new experiences with someone you know and are comfortable around so that you feel more comfortable trying out these new things. It is also a lot easier to face fears when you are doing it with someone you trust.
Trying new things doesn’t have to break the bank - there’s so many things you can do at a minimal cost. Start with things you can do from home - things like cooking, baking, reading, gaming, watching different types of films don't need to be expensive. Make the most of the extra time you have gained from the pandemic and use these opportunities - instead of ordering out, try cooking a new dish. There are plenty of free classes and courses online if you look hard enough to develop whatever skill it is you want to develop. Reading books is also a great way to teach yourself something, and also at minimum cost, all you have to do is pay a visit to your local library.
Trying new things is also important because it helps you to become a more flexible person. In life, you won't always be able to stick to one routine, be surrounded by the same people and keep the same things going on forever. Things change, and having a wealth of different experiences behind you is what will help you stay flexible and adaptable to different situations, whether it’s meeting new people, or being placed in an environment you're not familiar with. So start from now and enjoy yourself!