New Things to Try: Adventure Awaits!

Are you one of those people who are always looking for new things to try? Or do you prefer the tried and true, where you know what to expect? I fall into the first category. I love exploring and trying new things, though I admit there are limits—more on those later.

One of my favorite quotes captures this ethos perfectly:

“Life begins at the edge of our comfort zone.”

— Neale Donald Walsch

This quote resonates with me because it draws a clear line between just existing and truly living. It’s about the difference between surviving and fully embracing everything life has to offer. Inspired by this philosophy, I’ve found that exploration can significantly enrich one’s life. Whether it’s through small local adventures or transformative global journeys, new things force your brain to pay attention.

When you consider the concept of exploration and leadership you find that a truly great leader is often a seasoned explorer at heart—not necessarily of distant lands, but of ideas, solutions, and new ways of thinking. Exploration fosters essential leadership qualities such as problem-solving, creativity, and the ability to adapt to new situations—skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. More on exploration and leadership below.

Why New Things Matters

Exploration is not just about travel; it’s about opening yourself up to new experiences and challenges. It’s about seeking out new things to try that can spark personal growth and joy. Engaging in various activities, whether a new sport, a creative class, or a different cuisine, adds vibrancy and depth to our everyday lives.

Starting Small with Local Adventures

You don’t need to fly across the world to find adventure. It can be as simple as trying a new exercise class or spending a day in another town. These local explorations allow us to break from routine and see the world through fresh eyes. For example, joining a local hiking group or signing up for a pottery class can introduce you to new people and new things to try. Even exploring a nearby town, with its unique shops and eateries, can feel like a mini-vacation and rekindle the joy of discovery.

Expanding Horizons

For those who crave bigger adventures, consider traveling outside your immediate surroundings. This year, my husband and I are planning a significant life adventure—we’re moving to Spain. This move represents a profound leap out of our comfort zone and embodies the ultimate in trying new things in life. Such experiences not only broaden our cultural understanding but also deepen our appreciation for diverse ways of living.

New Things in Life: Incorporating Adventure into Daily Routines

Adventure can also be a part of your daily routine. It can be as straightforward as meditating to explore your internal landscape or as engaging as mapping out weekend getaways. Each day offers new things to try and weave excitement into the fabric of our lives. This could mean starting a morning routine that includes yoga to increase mindfulness or planning regular day trips to recharge your creative energies.

The Benefits of Exploration

Studies show that learning and exploration are beneficial for both physical and mental health. According to a study by the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association, traveling has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and promote brain health. Similarly, looking for new things to try and actually engaging in them has been linked to improved cognitive function, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increased life satisfaction. Embracing new things in life helps maintain our physical vitality and mental sharpness as we age.

Exploration as a Leadership Skill

Problem-solving is inherent in exploration. When you set out to try new things, whether it’s navigating a new city or learning a new language, you inevitably encounter challenges. Each challenge requires a unique solution, a new way of thinking. This practice is directly translatable to leadership. Leaders face unexpected problems regularly; having a history of exploration means they’ve practiced thinking on their feet and devising innovative solutions.

Moreover, creativity is sparked by exposure to varied experiences. Engaging in diverse activities or immersing yourself in different cultures can provide fresh perspectives that ignite creative thinking. For a leader, creativity isn’t just about artistic expression—it’s about thinking outside the box to improve team dynamics, overcome business obstacles, and drive pioneering projects. Leaders who embrace exploration find that they can draw upon a vast reservoir of ideas and inspirations, enhancing their ability to think creatively in their roles.

Finally, exploration teaches adaptability—the hallmark of effective leadership. By continuously stepping into unfamiliar situations and learning to navigate them successfully, explorers develop a comfort with change that is crucial for any leader. This adaptability allows leaders to thrive in diverse environments, guide their teams through transitions smoothly, and respond flexibly to both setbacks and opportunities.

Incorporating exploration into one’s life is not just about personal growth; it’s about preparing oneself to lead more effectively. By challenging oneself to explore and try new things, leaders can develop a toolkit of skills that are crucial for inspiring teams, driving innovation, and steering their organizations toward success in an unpredictable world.

Conclusion

As we venture beyond our comfort zones, we not only enrich our own lives but also connect more deeply with the world around us. Whether it’s through local activities or international adventures, each new experience helps us live fully. I encourage you to step out and find at least one new thing to try each month, embracing the abundant opportunities life offers for exploration and growth.

So, what’s your next adventure? Whether it’s trying a new cooking technique or planning a move to a new country, each step you take expands your horizons and contributes to a fuller, more exciting life. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of our comfort zones and see where life takes us next!