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This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW. Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
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This article has been viewed 139,045 times.
Maybe you feel stuck in your life. Maybe you feel frustrated or bored. Maybe you suspect that there is something more to life. Now is the time to try something new, to reinvigorate your zest for life, and to feel the sense of adventure you long for. By brainstorming ideas, overcoming obstacles, and taking action, you can be well on your way to trying something new.
Steps
Write down things you’ve always wanted to do. The first step in doing something new is to come up with some fresh ideas. Start by generating a list of things you’ve always wanted to do. Remember that there are no wrong answers when you’re brainstorming! Aim for at least five items on your list.[1]- Perhaps you’ve always wanted to skydive, bungee jump, or go white water rafting.
- Maybe you’ve always wanted to write a book, perform at an open mic, or grow your own garden.
- Maybe you’ve always wanted to work as a barista, make a short film, or try a vegan diet.
Make of list things you want to learn. Another way to generate some new ideas is to make a list of things you’d like to learn. Learning new things is a great way to meet people, have fun, and feel a sense of fulfillment. Aim to come up with at least five things you’d like to learn.- Perhaps you’d like to learn a new language, such as Spanish, Italian, or Chinese.
- Perhaps you’d like to learn a new creative skill, such as photography, pottery, or landscape painting.
- Perhaps you’d like to learn how to cook, do yoga, or write poetry.
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Create a list of places you want to see. Finally, you can add to this ongoing list of new things by listing places (or things) that you’ve always wanted to see. Traveling to a new place (even someplace that is just around the corner) can open your eyes to new possibilities.[2]- Maybe you have always wanted to visit the Louvre in Paris and see the Mona Lisa.
- Maybe you have always wanted to climb a mountain in the Alps.
- Maybe there is a restaurant in your city that you’ve always wanted to try.
Choose something from these lists. You don’t need to think too hard about it. Simply select the item from these lists that jumps out at you, makes your heart race, and gets you a little excited. This is the first new thing you should do. Even if it is seems big and far away, with a little planning, you can do it.- Don't get caught up in choosing something. Just pick an idea that excites you!
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Conduct research. In order for you to overcome obstacles and formulate a plan, you will need some more info about what you plan to do. If you hope to take a trip, for example, you will need to know the price of travel and lodging, as well as other considerations (like obtaining a passport). This information can be obtained by conducting internet research or visiting your local library.
Determine the obstacles in your way. If this is something you’ve always wanted to do, list all the reasons why you never tried this activity before now. If this is something new that you’ve just thought of, simply list all the things that stand in your way.- A prime obstacle might be money.
- Another important obstacle might be time. You may not feel like you have time to do the new things you’d like to.
- Other obstacles could really by anything. For instance, perhaps you would need someone to watch you dog, or perhaps you have a fear of flying that would get in the way.
Break each obstacle down into smaller parts. Take some time to examine each reason, and isolate obstacles into individual parts. (This should help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.) Begin thinking of ways to overcome each problem, one by one.[3]- For example, if the problem is financial, begin by determining how much money you would need to complete your goal. Figure out how much you would need to save each week or each month in order to have enough money within a certain amount of time (like six months or one year). Then determine how you can save that money. Could you give up some of your luxuries? Could you find some extra work?
- If the problem is time, you can create a similar budget. How much time would you need to complete this goal? Let's say you would need to work on this goal 1 hour per day, for six months. Is there anywhere you can spare an hour? Maybe there is something you could give up (an hour of sleep, an hour of TV, and hour of social media). Then you also may need a bigger chunk of time to actually do the thing. This may require getting time off of work, or obtaining childcare. If you are beginning six months ahead of time, hopefully you can talk to your boss, and/or find a friend or relative to help out.
- If the problem is fear, you can begin facing it little by little. If you are afraid of heights, for example, you can begin by doing some high-elevation hiking, riding a ski-lift, or even taking a glass elevator to a high floor. Begin testing your limits with a new "height obstacle" each week, until you feel ready to tackle your big goal.
Formulate a plan. Now that you have your obstacles broken down into smaller parts, you can figure out how to overcome them one by one. Figure out everything you need to do in order to accomplish your goal. Place these steps in a sequential order, and set them to a timeline. You may want to purchase a calendar and write down deadlines for yourself to finish each step.[4]
Get support. Anytime you make a lifestyle change, or make the decision to try something new, it is important to get support from those around you. Be sure to surround yourself with family and friends who support what you're trying to do and encourage you. This may even mean reaching out and making new friends. Look for a club in your area, or even an interest group online for people who are seeking a similar goal. Having someone to talk to is likely to help you achieve what you want to do.
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Take the first step. Making a plan is one thing, but you still may struggle with taking that first step. Set a date for yourself to begin (no more than one week in the future). Each day, leading up to your “begin” date, look in the mirror and say, “I’m ready for something new.”
Maintain your focus. If you have a lot of obstacles to overcome, you are going to need to maintain your focus over a long period of time, without losing motivation. Post images or words of encouragement where you can see them that remind you why this goal is important. Set reminders on your phone to accomplish each step on time. And feel good about yourself each time you take a new step.[5]
Practice positive self-talk. During this journey, you may experience set-backs, lose motivation, or feel discouraged. This is a natural part of seeking a goal. But you can combat negative feelings, keep your spirits high, and keep progressing by practicing positive self-talk. In other words, speak to yourself (and about yourself) in a kind way.[6]- Rather than saying, "I feel stupid for trying something new," say "I am facing a difficult challenge, but I'm still pushing."
- Rather than saying, "I'm scared," try saying, "I am excited," or "I am exhilarated."
- Look in the mirror and say nice things to yourself each day, such as "I am proud of you for trying something new."
Celebrate milestones. Your journey toward achieving something new can potentially be a long one and/or a difficult one. That is part of what will make it all worthwhile. But in the meantime, make sure that you celebrate some milestones along the way. Have you secured the time off of work that you need? Amazing! Have you managed to save your first $100? Congrats! Take time to rejoice in your achievements as you go so you stay positive and motivated.
Embrace the journey. From the moment you chose to seek out something new, you have been on a journey toward fulfillment. Finally completing your new goal is not your only reward. Instead, the journey itself is what will bring you satisfaction. Stop and enjoy it along the way. Don’t focus so much on everything you still need to do, instead, pause and give thanks for how far you have already come.[7]
Begin again. When you have completed every step, and finally taken that trip, learned to paint, or jumped out of a plane, the only thing left to do is to start the process all over again! You are now a person who seeks out new experiences. Kudos to you!
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Klare Heston, LCSWKlare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
Licensed Social WorkerStart by making a list of things you would like to do that you don't think will bore you. Many just fall into patterns of non-doing, like watching tv for longer periods than they really want to or surfing the net for long periods out of habit and not desire or intention. Only you can break that. - QuestionHow do you do something you don't want to do?Klare Heston, LCSWKlare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
Licensed Social WorkerDeclare it! Write it down and put up a small sign in your apartment or room. Own it. Remind yourself that you want to do something new. You can also confide to a good friend or family member so you have someone to talk with about your new intention(s). - QuestionWhat should I do tonight at home?Klare Heston, LCSWKlare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
Licensed Social WorkerTry to do one 'different' thing...even it if is small and only lasts 15 minutes. If you have not made a list of 'hopes,' try to start with that.
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Tips
- If you can't choose, try making a spinner and spin it to an activity.Thanks
- Fantasize about how you would feel if the goal was reached, but remember to also enjoy the journey!Thanks
- Keep choosing new activities, great and small.Thanks
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Warnings
- Research what you want to do before you do it. There is nothing worse than starting and realizing you don't know how.Thanks
- Don't go over your head. Be realistic.Thanks
- Exploring and experiencing new skills can be addicting.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma16-4958.pdf
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/02/how-to-plan-your-life-when-the-future-is-foggy-at-best
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pieces-mind/201605/overcoming-obstacles
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/life-worth-living-setting-life-goals/
- ↑ https://wvde.state.wv.us/ctn/Informational%20Documents/One%20Step%20at%20a%20Time.pdf
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/positive-self-talk/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/stonewall-strong/202201/what-it-means-embrace-your-life-and-the-path-you-chose
About This Article
Licensed Social Worker
This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW. Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR). This article has been viewed 139,045 times.
Co-authors: 15
Updated: March 5, 2024
Views: 139,045
Categories: Courage | Personal Development
Article SummaryX
If you’re feeling a little stuck in life and want to do something new, start by brainstorming things you’ve always wanted to do, learn, or see. There are no wrong answers here, so don’t hesitate to put whatever comes to mind. Once you have your list, choose whichever item makes you the most excited. Even if it seems too big to accomplish at first, you can do it with a little bit of planning! When you’ve picked an idea, start thinking about how you can overcome any possible obstacles in your way. For example, if you want to take a trip but don’t have the funds yet, make a budget to see how much you need to save each month to reach your goal. Then, put your plan into action. For more tips from our co-author, including how to fight back negative feelings during any setbacks, read on!
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