Try Something New: 30 Things to Zap Boredom

Try Something New: I was having a difficult time a few years ago. I was bored out of my skull. After watching the paint dry on weekends, I realized I had to figure something out.  

I decided to take up fly fishing. Shortly thereafter, I joined the local club and attended their meetings and fly-tying seminars. I was hooked in no time. Yes, I will be attending the 2022 nerd awards.


I had to make some adjustments like interacting in social situations (terrifying!) and learning how to stand in a river properly so I wouldn’t get my ass kicked by the rocks and currents. It didn’t go so well in the beginning. I’m filming a movie about my experience called “A River Ran Me Over.”


You’d be surprised at how this little “change-up” has improved my life. It’s making my brain and body work in different ways - and it’s refreshing. Read on to learn about the additional benefits of trying something new. 

1. Personal Growth  

After stepping out of your comfort zone and into the wilderness of the unknown, a magical thing happens. You learn and grow as an individual. You learn what you are truly capable of – I detect hidden talents somewhere! Yes, it can be uncomfortable at first, but it will expand your mind and make you aware of even more of life’s possibilities.


2. Courage Boost

Courage, the ability to do something while experiencing fear, is a natural biproduct of having tried something new. But pat yourself on the back, it took courage on your part to try it from the start!


3. Engage and Embrace Patience

Trying something new doesn’t mean a “one and done” experience. Trying something new is a whole adventure, and it should be viewed as a process. Yes, some things are hit or miss. I’m glad I stuck with fly fishing despite having STUCK myself with hooks while learning the new sport!

 

4. Humility is an Added Bonus

So, you try something and you fall on your face. Yes, there will be times when you try something and find it to be an utter disaster. That’s okay – consider it part of the process. There is a hidden gift in this process. You develop humility.


5. You Experience the Thrill of Victory

Take stock in your accomplishment and do a victory lap.


6. Awareness of Further Possibilities

You took the plunge and discovered a whole new life. Surprise! This is only the beginning! Consider what else there may be around the corner.    


7. You’ll Realize You’re Not Alone You may be trying something that involves group interaction. You realize quickly you are not alone in this adventure. You may be trying something new that involves only yourself, but consider the fact that others are trying the same thing. Start a club!       


8. Excuses will Subside In the past, you may have relied on excuses to not try anything. As your victories mount, you begin to try even more new things. As a result, you’ll feel less inclined to make excuses.


9. You’ll Have More Control It’s funny, but you must be willing to give up some control in order to try something new, yet you are simultaneously taking control of your life. I understand if you need to reread this – I had to.


10. You’ll be a Role Model

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you never know who’s looking to you for inspiration. Teach others that it’s okay to venture out into the world and claim your stake. I also like venturing out into the world to claim my steak – preferably a ribeye. Reflect on this and really consider all that you stand to gain by getting out and encouraging yourself to try something new. I’m glad I did. My next step is to purchase a Go Pro so that I can get some action footage of me fishing. Perhaps even some underwater videos of the fish I catch. You may even see a clip of me falling face first into the river.

Please excuse me now, I’m going to claim my steak…..~Ted


Try Something New: 30 Things to Zap Boredom ~parts adapted via LifeHack.org

1. Visit a suburb in your city that you’ve never been to before, or somewhere you haven’t explored much.

2. Learn ten phrases in a new language–what about Japanese, Italian or Portuguese?

3. Listen to a genre of music you haven’t tried before–perhaps Jazz, Punk or Blues?

4. Have a picnic in your local park complete with a packed lunch and your animal friends.

5. Start a daily journal to write your thoughts in.

6. Try a new cuisine–what about French, Lebanese or Korean?

7.Visit your local library and borrow some books for the weekend.

8. Plant some flowers in your garden. If you don’t have one, try an indoor potted plant.

9. Visit a local museum or art gallery and view their latest exhibition.

10. Learn a new skill–what about sewing, gardening or cooking? You’ll be surprised what you can learn in an afternoon.

11. Say hello to a neighbor you don’t usually talk to.

12. Make a card for a friend and send it to them with a handwritten note.

13. Learn how to cook a new dish for dinner. We all get tired of eating the same thing, why not try making something new?

14. Re-read an old favorite book. Don’t leave it gathering dust on your book shelf; get it out and read it all over again.

15. Research the culture of a different country online–what about India, Guatemala or Sweden?

16. Go for a walk or bicycle ride around your neighborhood.

17. Watch a classic film like Casablanca, The Godfather or The Wizard of Oz.

18. Make a photo album of a recent holiday you took. Don’t let your memories get lost on your computer hard drive; make a special keepsake album of your trip.

19. Visit your local farmers markets and pick out some fresh produce. Farmers markets are full of delicious fresh fruit, veggies and more. Find your local market and take a visit.

20. Plan a day trip to somewhere outside your city–it might be the seaside, mountains or another city!

21. Check out what community events are running in your area and attend one.

22. Make a birthday present for a friend. Handmade gifts are personal and much more special than anything you could buy from a store.

23. Attend a play at your local theater. Support your local theater and have a fun night out at the same time.

24. Volunteer with your local nature conservation society to plant some trees. Conservation societies are always looking for helping hands; do your bit and plant some trees.

25. Be a tourist in your own city and visit all the popular tourist sites you’ve likely never been to (don’t forget your camera!)

26. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to recently and have a good long chat.

27. Put on your favorite song and dance your heart out. You might be surprised at how much fun you have!

28. Invite some friends over for a BBQ. There’s nothing better than an afternoon spent with good friends and good food.

29. Try out a new form of exercise like Pilates, tennis or swimming.

30. Organize a clothing swap with your friends. You’ll have a great time, and save some cash and the environment all at the same time!

Now that you’ve read my list of 30 new things to try today, my question for you is, “what new things will you try today?”

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