Trying new things is great but also challenging and, at times, scary. There are so many what-ifs. What if I fail? What if people judge me? What if I embarrass myself? I worry about those things too, but the most important “what if” is: what if I enjoy myself? In this article, I’ll explore why you should try new things and why being afraid of trying new things is okay.
Why is it okay to fear trying new things? It’s a great question. Trying new things for most leads to fear or dread, but when you worry about something, it means you care about the outcome, which is good. When you fear something, it’s just your brain telling you to be careful and avoid the obstacle. It also means that growth is happening. You’re uncomfortable, but soon you won’t be. The best part is, when you succeed with trying something new like a new sport, a new food, or something new you’re learning, you prove to yourself that you can overcome challenges, and eventually you’ll find trying new things fun and exciting.
When trying new things, you come across challenges, but you also can enjoy the outcome. For instance, if you try a new sport or club, you’re bound to meet new people who may eventually become your good friends. Did I mention that new experiences build confidence and improve social skills? You also change your routine. This makes life seem more interesting, fuller and gives your brain more dopamine. Trying new things also helps you discover who you really are, like what you’re good at or what you enjoy. When you stick to the same routine, opportunities are less likely to emerge.
What would happen if you didn’t take the opportunity you were given? If you never tried new things, you would never change or mature. You may have regrets. Imagine always thinking, “What if I had tried out for that team or the club?” You’ll never know if you don’t try. You would even see others grow while you didn’t. If you fear trying new things, not doing so just makes it worse. Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” In the end, when you don’t try something new, you’ll just carry regret.
I hope this article encourages you to try something new. I’ve learned so much through my research in writing this. At Seabury, it’s so easy to start a new sport or club, and I feel so fortunate to get that privilege. I know trying new things is scary, but not doing so comes with a terrible consequence: regret. Remember to be brave, and don’t think about the bad outcomes; think about the possibilities.
