What I’ve come to realize is that sometimes, there’s really only one way to find out: trying it.
In all honesty, that was kind of hard for me to accept. I’ve never been a fan of change or going out of my comfort zone. I like the ideas of safety of consistency. I pride myself as someone who doesn’t make rash decisions and as someone who doesn’t have an impulsive spirit. But somewhere in that, I became an individual who didn’t take enough chances. “Going for it” became this weird, unfamiliar concept. Trying out new things became an idea that makes me nervous. However, I had to learn that (surprise, surprise) staying in your comfort zone, in fact, limits you.
How can you be sure that an experience won’t positively impact your life if you don’t try it? Or that it won’t lead to something you learn from? Or that it won’t help you figure out you like and what you dislike? Well, in a lot of cases, you can’t.
I’ll give an example of what I’m talking about. A few weeks ago, I went to a Peruvian restaurant for a holiday luncheon with my coworkers. It should be mentioned that I’m very picky and am not the greatest with trying unfamiliar food. There was a variety of appetizers and entrees. A lot of choices were foods that I’ve never heard of, much less tried. I barely touched the first appetizer that was served because I couldn’t tell what was in the bowl. I ate a lot of tequenos (pastries filled with cheese), and hesitated before eating the empanadas with steak and onions in them.
About twenty minutes into all of this, a former coworker who recently retired joined us at the table. We talked a little and saw my hesitation to try any of the entrees. Then, she said something along the lines of “try it, even if it’s just a little bit. You’re young. You should be trying new things.” I looked at her, then at the food, then at her again, and then at the chicken stew I was about to try. After each entree I tried, she asked how I felt about it. I left the restaurant with a full stomach and happy that I didn’t stare at food the whole time.
Had I avoided trying much of the options like I wanted to, I don’t think I would have enjoyed my time at the luncheon as much as I did. In fact, I’m not sure what I would have gained from that experience. Though the example above is a small one, I think it depicts the difference trying something makes. For me, that luncheon reminded me that some of the best times I’ve ever had stemmed from giving something new a shot.
Don’t get me wrong, trying does not mean you won’t fail. You probably will quite a few times and it will be uncomfortable because that’s a part of life. The beautiful things in life comes with the hardships, but the only way to find out if it worth it is through experience. That experience comes with trying things, even though it’s sometimes easier said than done.
So let this be your reminder to apply for the job, reach out to that person, or resume the passion project or whatever it is that speaks to you.
After all, you’ll never know until you try.
Happy New Year! I thought I’d start off 2022 with a post about trying out new things. It felt fitting enough. Hopefully there was something in my piece that resonated with or encouraged you.
Like I just said, trying something can be easier said than done, especially when there’s outside pressures (or pressure you put on yourself). And while taking a chance has sometimes backfired in my face, there were also times it led me to something amazing.
For the record, this is not your cue to be reckless and do things you know are bad for you. It is, however, a slight nudge for you to get out of your comfort zone (if you haven’t already). This is something that I’m still working on mastering myself so maybe our 2022 can include taking those chances, even when the initial thought of doing such a thing scares us.
Wishing you all the best,
Rhobie ❤
Inside an Optimist's Mind 