I’m just putting this out there, receive it how you will. In military tactics, if you continue to do what you have been trained and know to do you will get the same results that you have always gotten. But if you were to change your tactics, think on your feet, challenge and lead a few, I believe; you will be able to gain new territory. That’s the mission, right? New territory?
Because the enemy is watching. Rest assured they are not always on the offensive. It is more than possible for you to be victorious, abounding, winning, always. Always!
I found seven basic steps in a magazine to help get started. Here they are:
No matter your age, there’s always another first time for something. Possibilities are as limitless as your dreams, but facing new experiences can be downright daunting. So how can you prepare for first-things-first? Here are seven ways to rev up and feel ready for anything you decide to try.
- Listen and Learn. Trying new things begins with “hearing” your heart’s call to explore. Listen up! Do you want to expand on longtime interests or leap into an entirely unfamiliar venture? Social media is a great starting point for ideas (try Pinterest.com), but it’s even more inspiring to investigate local events and groups that specialize in something you might love to try. If it feels like fun, then…
- Rein in Reluctance. Studies show that people fear unknown outcomes more than known bad outcomes. Sounds surprising, but consider your own experiences. Do you shy away from the unknown? “The next time you experience the familiar sensation of anxiety, fear, or resistance, mindfully notice what is occurring,” suggests Dr. Laura Chang, Licensed Professional Counselor. “What happens next is up to you. By slowly building confidence that you can engage in (and even enjoy!) new experiences, you are making it more likely that you will choose to move toward novelty in the future.”
- Cast Away Criticism. One of the most daunting aspects of first- time experiences is the doubt cast by others. Most naysayers don’t mean to bring you down- in fact, they probably feel like they have your best interests at heart. But loving concern can be the most crippling criticism of all. If friends and family members discourage you from trying something new, think it through: They’re trying to protect you from failure, but if you’re willing to accept the risk, then that’s all that matters. Remind them that everyone’s talents and successes started somewhere “out on a limb.”
- Take Your Time. “One common characteristic of doing something for the first time is that it is most likely to be more time-consuming than subsequent times,” says business productivity consultant Timo Kiander. “If you are inexperienced, the first few times, you are just going to be learning anyway- and hopefully getting better in the process. Just take your time and try to learn as much as possible as you go. You will realize that the second time is much easier, since you already have some experience in your pocket.” After all, what would you rather be doing?
- Plan and Prep. Trying something new doesn’t mean you have to go in empty- handed. Planning, along with a little prep work, will help you feel much more confident when it comes time to take the leap. Plus, planning is a proven mood booster! Want to try oil painting? Start by watching YouTube tutorials and make a list of materials you’ll need. Ready to ride a horse for the first time? Visit a local riding club- or even a rodeo- and study seasoned riders’ behavior. Gathering a baseline of knowledge will help you feel “rehearsed” before your first performance.
- Hug your Humility. Face it: You probably won’t perform perfectly the first time you try something. Now that the burden of perfection has been brushed from your shoulders, you can embrace humility. Yep, give it a big hug. Worrying about perfection leads to procrastination and postpones the experience you’ve been longing for. First-time fumbling is all part of the fun- and makes for great laughs later on.
- Go for It. So, here you are in the precipice of possibility. Close your eyes and breathe deeply as you realize that you are as prepared as you can be for this first-time moment. Now is not the time for reluctance or rehearsal. Lucky you- it’s time to learn. Tune out the voice of doubt, take your time, grab hold of your humility, and … LEAP!
Butters, MaryJane. “A Few Tips for a Simple Life.” MaryJane’s Farm. June-July 2019: 40-14. Print.
This is my open journal to the world. 