How To Try New Things When Change Is Scary

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Does trying something new scare or overwhelm you?

Usually, when I ask that question, people think of their big fears and quickly answer with, “Yes, it scares me.” They reply that way because they are usually thinking about their physical fears like flying or heights, or life changing events like moving, starting a new job, or walking away from a relationship.

All of those things can definitely be scary no matter who you are.

And knowing that something new would be good for you doesn’t make it any easier to do either, does it?

If you are at a point in your life where you are not happy or you find yourself in a bad situation and you know you should be changing your life but you are too scared to do it, I suggest you start with much smaller fears first. When you do that, you will learn how to work through your anxiety in much smaller doses.

You will then gain the confidence and a willingness to try bigger, scarier things. Think of it like pushing a boulder down a hill. It will pick up momentum.

Some of the items on this list may seem futile or silly to you, but I promise, trying new things can become second nature to you and will help you to take on more, scarier goals. You just need practice trying new things.

5 New Things To Try Today That Won’t Scare You

1. Take a Different Route to Work.

Seems simple right? We’re such creatures of habit that we usually get to work on our own internal autopilot. Ever get halfway to work and realize that you don’t remember most of the drive? When that happens to me I always feel like lost time that I can’t get back.

Taking a different route keeps you engaged in the drive….which turn do you have to make? Some studies also indicate that this type of activity stimulates your brain to think creatively because it’s doing something that it’s not used to doing.

In a situation where you can’t drive a different route? Try parking in a different parking space.

2. Try a Different Food.

We all get stuck in food ruts. Eating the same thing week after week. But these changes don’t need to be drastic:

• If you like hamburger, try a turkey burger or a veggie burger. Even this red meat lover admits they are pretty good.
• Only eat fried chicken or chicken strips? Try roasting a chicken or a small turkey. Yes, just a small change from frying to roasting can count as trying something new.
• Always have cereal for breakfast every morning? Add some sliced fruit or nuts on top.

Trying something new is not about going from fried chicken to eating live crickets. It is about doing something different.

Any small change is a step in the direction of trying something new.

Now if you want to take it a step further, then do it. Find a recipe you’ve never tried before and make it. Have fun, Pinterest is loaded with lots of different recipes to try.

3. Try a Different Workout.

Not only will trying a different workout get you out of a rut, it will help you by using your muscles in a different way.

• If you like to run, which is very solitary, it’s time to try a team sport like volleyball or basketball.
• Are you a Cross Fit fan? Then try yoga.
• Never exercised before? Then go for a walk.

Changing up workouts is a good way to let certain muscle groups rest while others are working harder. Plus it challenges your muscles to work in different ways, which allows them to stay more flexible and can reduce injuries.

4. Try to Go It Alone.

Always do things in groups? Time to try doing something alone. Take yourself out on a date. Go to dinner or a movie or an art gallery by yourself.

Think about it. The choice of what you do, is all up to you. You don’t have to have a group debate. Doesn’t that sound awesome?

For some people, this might be near the top of their big fears. Again, remember to start small. For example, go buy your movie ticket alone before the rest of your group arrives. Then, the next time, go a step further by buying your ticket alone and choosing where you will all sit before your friends arrive. Small steps towards doing things alone can help you overcome this fear.

5. Try Colouring.

This is a great first step for anyone who wants to be artistic but doesn’t know how or is afraid that they won’t be good enough. Colouring isn’t just for kids anymore and right now colouring books for adults are a big craze.

So jump on the band wagon and grab some crayons or markers and let your inner artist out (or is that inner child?)  Plus, colouring has been known to relieve stress and I know we can all do with a little bit of that.

Trying something new doesn’t have to be drastic. And practicing trying new things will make the next new thing easier, including making life changing decisions.

I hope these five ideas stimulate your imagination for other ways that you can try something new. I’d love to hear what new things you have tried recently. Let me know in the comments!

This piece was written by Jennifer Koshak and first appeared on Unfold and Begin.

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