Firsts for February
According to Wikipedia definition; Neophobia is the fear of anything new, especially a persistent and abnormal fear.
In its milder form, it can manifest as the unwillingness to try new things or break from routine.
As adults, we are so scared to fail, to look foolish or stupid....so we hold back from venturing into the unknown.
So.....how exactly do you encourage yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and take a leap of faith and try something new. The trick is to start with something that feels a little uncomfortable but not completely overwhelming - to put a fitness spin on it....before we start a strenuous workout, we warm up...stretch our muscles, so to speak. Well, the same goes for trying new things – as you continue to “stretch” your confidence and resilience will start increasing...en voila, you have slowly been conditioning yourself to try something new. YAY!
With this in mind, Phoenix Wings Wellness have officially declared February as #firstsforfebruary. Why not slowly “stretch” those muscles and start putting yourself, ever so slightly, out of your comfort zone.
Now, I'm not for one second suggesting you risk life and limb and jump out of a plane tomorrow, but why not start working towards doing something new? Introduce something you haven't done before into your life.....you know, start engaging in new experiences that could reinvigorate your life with renewed energy and excitement (okay, probs a bit OTT, but I'm trying to stir some passion and generate some enthusiasm for you).
There are many benefits for putting yourself out there and now would probably be a good time in listing them...right? Okay, here goes;
It can increase your confidence and self-esteem – even if you don't succeed at your attempt, you should be proud of yourself for putting yourself out there...that takes courage (go you!!). Stepping out of your comfort zone is an accomplishment all of its own, and will perhaps give you the incentive and confidence to try something else.
It can open up opportunities – by trying something new and putting yourself out there, you are meeting new people with the same shared passion.
It keeps your brain active – we've all been there with our day to day routine, it can feel like we are on autopilot. Your brain needs to be stimulated and challenged.
It can teach you patience (and perhaps humility) – by learning something new, you are making yourself vulnerable by becoming the “beginner”. No one likes not knowing what they are doing or to look foolish....but you know what...even the experts were beginners once, so listen to what they have to say and learn from them and have a laugh at your own expense.....let go of any inhibitions you may be feeling and just enjoy yourself.
It can help you realise just how important and valuable your time is – time to get out there and start living your best life. With your renewed interests, you may just stop those lunchtime gossip sessions at work and distance yourself from negative people. You will be actually living your own life, not living vicariously through someone else's Facebook or Instagram posts. You are investing in your mind, body and soul...and I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty bloody important.
The Shawshank Redemption is one of my most favourite movies ever, and this line has always stuck with me and has never been so relevant – “You can get busy living or get busy dying”. So, what have you got to lose? Put yourself out there, and don't be afraid of new experiences...you only live once, right?
So take that leap of faith, try something new...drink tea instead of coffee, ride your bike to work instead of driving, take a solo trip to who knows where, study, learn a new language......just take a step towards whatever ignites that passion in your belly.
