When was the last time you tried something new? Like, really tried? 

Growing up, I went fishing many times with my father, friends, or, went by myself. I used to even practice my cast in the front yard. Hooked a tree on more than one occasion…even caught my sister a few times! Fishing takes time, patience and practice. It’s one of my favorite things to do, yet it’s been many years since I’ve actually been.

Recently, I had the opportunity to go fishing with one of my mentors. It was the first day of winter in the Ozarks. You might be thinking, “isn’t fishing more of a spring/summer sport?” Well, yes, in the traditional sense. But, as my mentor shared with me, the fish don’t care what the outside temperature is…it’s the water temp that matters to them.

So, we packed up and headed out for our day trip. I was looking forward to it. No cell service, no interruptions. Just us, the river, and the monsters below. Did I mention that I hadn’t been fishing for a while? And did I mention this was a fly-fishing trip??

I’d never been fly-fishing in my entire life. Now, I’ve seen the Brad Pitt movie A River Runs Through It, so figured I had a pretty good idea what I was getting myself into.

I was wrong. I had ZERO clues regarding what I was doing. Fly-fishing for trout isn’t like your traditional bass fishing setup. It’s all about technique and finesse. I bet I cast my line a thousand or more times that day, with only a few hits (at least, that’s all I felt) from fish. When I got a bite, my muscle memory/rod-jerking bass fishing technique took over. Never actually landed a fish, but I learned a thing or two. For instance, all you have to do is lift up your rod quickly vs jerking it up when you get a bite. You’re more likely to catch a fish and it’s more likely to keep its lips!

And balance. Fly-fishing requires balance. Did I mention I was standing in the middle of the river?? Not only was I using foreign tools and foreign techniques, I was doing so while trying not to go down the river on my backside. It was quite a sight to see! I managed to remain upright all day. (Whew!)

Ok, so where am I going with all of this?

You see, I was a beginner. There was a LOT to learn (including the things I didn’t know I didn’t know!) It took time. I had to adjust and readjust many times before I found my rhythm. Muscle memory told me I was doing it wrong and encouraged me to do things the way I’ve always done them.

Here are two reasons why you should try new things:

Gain a new perspective

Innovative solutions don’t occur in a vacuum. It takes getting out into a new environment with new variables to push your brain to think differently. Practice mindfulness. What is happening around you? Why? How?

Exercise your mind, body, and spirit 

Learn something new. Reconnect and recharge. Trying new things opens you up for so much more. Keep in mind that the new “thing” could actually be doing nothing. We’re so inundated with noise in our daily lives. Don’t let the immediate get in the way of the important.

So, how can we break out from that is instinctual mindset and blaze a new trail together? This week, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and do something new, something different, so that you can make an even greater impact in this world.

As always, thanks for reading. 

Photo by Taylor Grote on Unsplash