When Was The Last Time You Did Something For The First Time?

Last month, I participated in the Tough Mudder race. At the start line, the MC closed his pep talk with an interesting question:

"When is the last time you did something for the first time?"

It's safe to say that crawling through mud, climbing walls, and getting shocked by electrical wires weren’t part of my regular routine. 😆 But the race reminded me of how alive I feel when I’m trying something new.

New Experiences Slow Down Time

When you try something new, time slows down because your brain is busy processing fresh information.

My September felt particularly long because of so many new experiences – I gave a talk on work-life balance, worked at a new office, went to TIFF for the first time, and ran Tough Mudder with friends.

In contrast to your childhood, the adult years start to blur because there are fewer "firsts." This is precisely why I prioritize seeking out new experiences.

The Trap of Routine

Following a routine is comfortable and easy. But over time, it can turn into autopilot mode. You go through the motions, and before you know it, another week has flown by without anything memorable happening.

Unfortunately, if you don't make a conscious effort, your brain will continue with the same old routines.

Practical Ways to Break the Routine

You don’t have to do something extreme like a Tough Mudder to shake things up. Here are a few simple ways to bring novelty into your life:

• Change your daily habits: Try a new morning and bedtime routine, or take a different route to work. Small changes can have a big impact.
• Try something new: Order a dish you’ve never had, check out a new cafe, or try meditation.
• Step outside your comfort zone: Sign up for a challenging event such as a race, or learn a new skill (something that excites but also intimidates you)

Have Fun!

Tough Mudder was an absolute blast! Part of what makes this race fun is the cooperation aspect. Some obstacles cannot be cleared alone, and it felt great to lend a helping hand to friends and strangers alike.

Having fun is one of the most overlooked aspects of well-being. Making time for fun reduces stress, improves relationships, and boosts positive mood.

So... when was the last time you did something for the first time? 🕺

Join me on a journey to redesign life, one step at a time! 👊