4 Benefits of Trying New Things.

In an article for CNN, cognitive psychologist Gary Marcus writes about the benefits of learning and trying new things, and the positive impact it has on our personal growth as well as our health. According to Marcus:

As Aristotle realized, there is a difference between the pleasures of the moment (hedonia), and the satisfaction that comes from constantly developing and living one’s life to the fullest (eudaimonia). In recent years, scientists have finally begun to study eudaimonia. Research suggests that the greater sense of purpose and personal growth associated with eudaimonia correlates with lower cortisol levels, better immune function, and more efficient sleep.

Enhancing experiences that already make you happy by putting a new spin on them is another way to try something “new” in a less intimidating form. If you keep doing things the same way you always have, you will easily fall into a rut. To feed your creativity, you have to step out and try new things. Satisfy your thirst for something different and reap the rewards. Such as:

Increased confidence – Stepping out on a limb and trying something new takes a great deal of confidence. This confidence is not limited to the amount of faith you have in your Creator but also the amount of faith you have in yourself and your vision. When you step out on a limb and try something you once feared, you decrease your self-doubt and realize the potential you held all along.

Appreciation for yourself – Trying something new, whether it is trying a new look, a new hobby, or a new motto, will increase the level of self-love and appreciation you feel within. Trying new things help you to fully see what all you are capable of. At times we limit ourselves more than our actual circumstances, in fact it is our self-doubt that creates our circumstances.

Learning a new skill – Do not be afraid of failing! Practice does not make anyone or anything perfect, practice does however make things permanent. With practice and persistence, you have the opportunity to learn a new skill or add a hobby to your repertoire.  This increases your self-value and helps you learn more about yourself and your will power.

Helps you break out of a rut – The best way to break you out of your mundane routine and bring some excitement back into your life is by trying something you’ve never done before or trying something you never desired to try. Trying new things helps to wake the brain up and helps you break out of your slump. New things invites new learning experiences, new skills, and new people into our lives. This gives us something more to look forward to daily.

Switching things up can help to keep you inspired and motivated. Because, let’s be honest, it can be quite dull and uneventful following the same monotonous routine day in and day out.

Here’s to trying new things!!