photo credit: Looking Glass
If you are still not quite sure what passion to follow then here are some ideas that will expose you to new things. This will help to move you out of your comfort zone and start thinking in new directions.
1. Browse a new section at the bookstore or library. Do you mostly read historical fiction? Try fantasy instead. Science fiction aficionado’s could try a biography of their favorite author.
2. Try a new cuisine. If you live in a very rural area you will probably have to cook it yourself but luckily the internet can supply you with both the recipes and the ingredients. Pick a county or region at random and experiment with the local dishes.
3. Learn how to say hello and goodbye in 10 different languages.
4. Learn a new skill – something totally different from anything you have done before – car mechanics, underwater basket weaving, fortune telling… anything you like as long as it’s new to you.
5. Go to a pet store and hold a creature you have never touched before. If you have a mortal fear of a particular creature, this could be your chance of pushing through that phobia.
6. Explore a new art medium – computer graphics could be a whole new world to a traditional artist. Writers could sing their pieces for new inspiration. Get those creative juices flowing and have fun with it.
7. Find a new local town to visit.
8. Speak to a complete stranger and share a secret with them.
9. Test drive a vehicle you wouldn’t normally get the chance to drive.
10. Go into a clothing store you have never been in and have a ball trying on wacky outfits.
All these ideas are intended to both be fun and challenging. It is possible one of them will lead straight to your passion but more likely they will enable you to look at things that are already in your life with a fresh perspective. They will show you that you can do new and sometimes frightening things and survive. You will gain confidence and a new sense of pride in your accomplishments.
I would love to hear more ideas from my blog readers of things they have done to get out of their comfort zone. It is always a good idea to keep challenging ourselves – regular readers will know my big goal for this year is to do some public speaking. What is the scariest thing you have done and what benefits did you see from stepping so far out of your comfort zone?
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28 responses so far ↓
1 Patrysha // Apr 22, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I’m always one for diving headfirst into the unknown. Or at least that’s how I perceive it. I’ve never been one for bungee-jumping or skydiving, but I always strive to stretch my comfort zone and try new things even when they terrify me…like the time I mc’d a benefit concert (250 people! What was I thinking??) or when I’ve called up reporters to pitch a story idea…none of it comes naturally!
As for the public speaking, get it booked and get it done! You’ll wonder what the fuss was about afterwards…
Patrysha’s last blog post..Gearing Up to Launch Locally
2 Katherine Reschke // Apr 22, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Patrysha, such wise words! Isn’t that always the way – we DO make a fuss and then afterwards wonder what it was all about!
I love the examples you gave!
3 The Story Ideas Virtuoso // Apr 22, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I’ve never been one “to boldly go where no one has gone before.” And I’m a Star Trek: Voyager and STNG junkie! Some things I’d rather do vicariously.
And this, Katherine==>hold a creature you have never touched before. If you have a mortal fear of a particular creature, this could be your chance of pushing through that phobia
Ain’t gonna happen. Not touching a snake or a bat or any creepy thing. Nuh-uh.
Now if it means standing up in front of people and speaking or singing, I’m there.
My one out-of-comfort zone goal is to learn tap-dancing — but after I can afford to pay a chiropractor first. LOL
Deb
The Story Ideas Virtuoso’s last blog post..Story Ideas – Look for Backstory Potential
4 Katherine Reschke // Apr 22, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Lol Deb – you could always start with something a little scary and build up to the bat.
5 Judith Stephens // Apr 22, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I love this post. What creative ways to explore new and different things! I’m all for new experiences and exposures. I don’t want to be limited to what I know now, or what I’ve already done.
I want new adventures. It’s the only way to grow. I shall not stagnate because of fear or laziness. While I’ve done most of the suggestions above, I will explore new sections in the library and my favorite bookstore this week.
I highly recommend Toastmasters if you want to improve your public speaking/presentation skills. The Toastmaster experience is invaluable. It’s a great way to learn and polish your public speaking skills and meet new people.
Thanks for the ideas Katherine. As usual, you make me think.
Judith
6 Katherine Reschke // Apr 22, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Judith,
Yes I am planning on joining toastmasters. I will make sure I set a date to do so with my coach so I will stay accountable. There are always new things to discover if we are prepared to step outside that comfort zone that we have now renamed the hostage zone.
You Rock!
7 Teresa Morrow // Apr 23, 2008 at 9:00 am
How about taking a new class or join a local sports team such a city baseball or bowling team
This summer I am going to do a class at the local decorating store to learn some new skills and I am doing it with my daughter so we both can learn new things together.
When I was pregnant with my daughter I was in a local bowling league and it was good exercise and so much fun—I think I may join something like that as well.
Katherine, I love your idea about the library…I LOVE books and my daughter and I take trips about twice a month to the library. Also, be sure to check out their events as well—some great things for kids and adults.
One idea could be to do a few coaching sessions at the library?? That would help to establish you locally as well. Just a thought…
Judith, you are correct—see, Katherine, you are getting the “creative and active juices” flowing.
Great post!
Teresa Morrow’s last blog post..Happy Earth Day!
8 Jenn Givler // Apr 23, 2008 at 10:25 am
I’m terrified of spiders (yeah, I know… I’m 34 – what’s that about?!? LOL) – but sorry – I will NOT hold one… LOL!!!!!
Great ideas K. I’m actually just about to embark on taking a new type of dance class, and a new yoga class in the next month. I was really excited to broaden my horizon with these classes – but didn’t even consider how they might open up my creativity!! WOO HOO – now I’m even MORE excited!
Jenn Givler’s last blog post..Newsletters Build Connection
9 Anna // Apr 24, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Hi! Marcia Francois read my blog a few days ago and told me that I should contact you about being interviewed on your blog talk radio show. I haven’t started my online shoe store, but I am in the process of designing a logo and writing up a business plan. Maybe once I’ve started my store, we can do the interview.
I have a great passion for shoe fashion and also for good causes, and I am going to combine the two with my store and my blog. I will be targeting young (25-44 year old) women who are too busy to go to a shoe store to shop and who are highly feminine yet modern.
I look forward to hearing from you, as I enjoy listening to your talk radio program.
Best,
Anna Bassham
http://www.ShoeSmitten.com
Anna’s last blog post..Celeb Shoes: Hilary Duff, April 2008
10 Nadine Touzet // Apr 26, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I am also toying with the idea of joining Toastmasters.
Believe it or not Katherine, I once interpreted in front of an audience of 3,000 people (they didn’t come for me though)! Don’t be afraid, if you are passionate about what you want to talk about, then you won’t have fear.
I find that what is essential is to live your life with a curious mind. I like to think I’m doing it. Too many people reach middle age thinking they’ve seen and done enough and they start withdrawing. But no skydiving for me, thank you very much!
Nadine Touzet’s last blog post..Building Knowledge
11 100 Blogs using CommentLuv // May 12, 2008 at 9:12 pm
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12 Benbego Rizki // May 13, 2008 at 4:20 am
nice tips. i love it
Benbego Rizkis last blog post..Kwikcontent VS Adsense Money Maker
13 Headhunter David // Jul 21, 2008 at 8:16 am
Yes, yes. Follow your passions. These will make both your personal life and your career blossom. Why stop at hello and goodbye. Learn another language and open up all sorts of career and travel opportunities. Spanish and Chinese have big futures in the workplace, and German and French sure can come in handy, too.
Speaking to strangers is a wonderful way to boost your self-confidence, and you will be amazed at the things you learn and the doors you will open.
14 kbuntu // Aug 14, 2008 at 1:26 am
Great article. I love to drive so that’s what I do. My girlfriend and I do weekend drives to places we haven’t been. I joined several clubs to meet new people and to make new friends. Life is good!!!
kbuntus last blog post..Girl Cut In Two Movie Trailer
15 John from Juicy Maternity Jeans // Nov 20, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Variety in life is an essential step towards happiness. The same old boring routine gets old quick. Spice up your life.
16 Li // Feb 24, 2009 at 7:39 am
* Make some sandwiches, invite a good friend, go to the train station, and buy a ticket to the first train and go.. somewhere..
17 sara // Feb 24, 2009 at 10:32 am
I have a routine jop everyday. boring…
18 Cameron // Apr 5, 2009 at 10:30 am
I usually don?t post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful ?
19 art brighton // Apr 12, 2009 at 12:28 pm
i like the “talk to a stranger”, but not sure about the share a secret bit. that’s a bit too personal. plus i think it may freak them out a bit, like they have become party to an emotional offloading.
but the talk to a stranger bit, definately. make the world a better place.
20 The One // Apr 15, 2009 at 8:14 am
even though i know my passions very well, the post was useful, thanks!
21 Dani from true religion maternity jeans // Apr 28, 2009 at 11:07 am
Nice list ideas ..
I will try some of the ideas ..
It will encourage me i thought ..
22 Nicholas // May 14, 2009 at 7:46 am
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23 Vic - BusinessAccent // Jun 24, 2009 at 4:18 am
That’s what I like – innovation. What goes new and fresh is the key to continue and become success constantly. Opening – up to new ideas keep us excited and at the same time keep us in rewarding situations. Take the risk!
24 inapaler from DesktopTube // Sep 25, 2009 at 8:47 am
Nice list!
I like your number 9
I just hope they will allow me to make a test drive of their wheels hehehe!
nice post thanks.
25 k?zlar // Sep 28, 2009 at 9:06 am
I find that what is essential is to live your life with a curious mind. I like to think I’m doing it. Too many people reach middle age thinking they’ve seen and done enough and they start withdrawing
26 Nery from learning spanish language // Oct 1, 2009 at 8:30 pm
learning a foreign language is always so exciting.
For me, when I learned French, I wrote poetry in prose. I got inspired by Arthur Rimbaud and Charles Baudelaire.
After French I tried Spanish and I tried to wrote literary pieces in honor of Pablo Neruda and Octavio Paz. And to my compliment and bliss, my parents and my siblings like it.
My father decided to go to Spain for a family vacation. I can’t wait to use my skills if I meet a beautiful Señorita.
Learning a new language will always be a passion for me.
27 julie from organic dog treats // Oct 18, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Thanks for tackling this subject! There is so much info out there about career building, starting a business, etc., but not enough info about figuring out what you will truly love to do. This is such an important 1st step before committing to any course of action
28 Dave from Home Improvements // Dec 18, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I like number 3 and I am going to give it a try, learning how to say hello and goodbye in 10 languages – thanks for the inspiration