On New Things

It is a pretty simple fact that people do not like to try new things. What is near, dear and familiar is always the hands-down winner when it comes to our everyday life. How often have you ordered the same thing you 'always get' at a restaurant? How often do you take a new route to work just for fun? how often do you ask a stranger how they are doing?

So why do we, as people, feel this way? Americans, especially, seem to have a huge problem with doing things spontaneously, for fear of being labeled as strange, awkward or odd. No one wants to be the odd man out? Conformity is king! Even non-conformity conforms, in a way.

People, I think, are also far too scared of the consequences of new commitments. You might have the time for a karate class every week NOW, but what about in five months? I'd love to go for a ncie long walk today, but I have so many other things to do right now!!

Trying new things is good for people, though. It expands our knowledge of the world around us and inspires us to learn. So what is the solution? Simple:

• Try a new thing every week. If you don't want to do something time-commital, that's fine. But unless you learn something new from the experience, it won't count.
• Say hello to a someone for no reason. Ask them how they are. Ask them what they're doing. Sure, tey might just think you're weird, but they're just as likely to not.
• Finally, keep a journal of new things. This is optional, but it definitely helps you build those experiences into something concrete, and you migth learn something about yourself in the meantime.

I saw this on a t-shirt today: "Don't be afraid to try new things. Remember: An amateur built the ark, professionals built the titanic."

Cheers.