Do something for the first time

I was catching up and having a chat a while back with one of my old-time mentors. He is a seasoned professional who has done many things in his life and is now retired; our conversation spanned reflecting on the good old days and how life changes over time as a person grows older.

At one point in that conversation, he paused and asked me the following, he said:

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

I paused and paused. Apparently, you kind of run out of first-times as you grow older, and that topic would shift focus to seeing others (your kids, partner, sibling, employees, etc.) going through their first time while you sit to coach and mentor.

"Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up." - Pablo Picasso

So many books and references would state how some kids grow out of creativity as they get older, and how you lose some of the fascination of discovery & the sense of engagement when starting something new. I know that in work terms, this can have different meanings, but I would like to focus on the personal side of your life. When was the last time you tried out something new—a new hobby, a new experience, something that you haven't done before or even never thought of doing?

This week's tip is about just that: regardless of your age, social status, or how your environment perceives you, try an experience for the first time.

Last weekend, I went into an audition for stand-up comedians, and despite having done public speaking for 15+ years and spoken to thousands and thousands of people, I felt the nervousness of the stage and the tingling feeling inside of being afraid for the first time in front of an audience. It's highly unlikely that I would switch my career from advising Governments and CXOs to performing comedy, but the experience itself was rejuvenating.

If you wanted to try something for the first time, what would that be?

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Pick Up a New Hobby: Whether it's painting, learning a musical instrument, or diving into the world of photography, hobbies are a great way to ignite that sense of discovery. You might even find a hidden talent!
2. Travel Somewhere New: Visiting a place you've never been before, even if it's just a nearby town or a different part of your city, can refresh your perspective and give you new experiences to cherish.
3. Try an Adventure Activity: Ever thought about skydiving, scuba diving, or rock climbing? These adrenaline-pumping activities can be a thrilling way to push your boundaries.
4. Take a Cooking Class: Experiment with a cuisine you've never tried to cook before. You might end up with a new favorite dish—or at least a funny story!
5. Join a Social Group or Club: Whether it's a book club, a dance class, or a local community organization, meeting new people and sharing a common interest can open doors to new friendships and experiences.
6. Volunteer for a Cause: Giving your time to a cause you're passionate about not only benefits others but also allows you to gain new insights and skills.

Trying something for the first time doesn’t have to be grand or life-altering; it just needs to be something that shakes up your routine and brings a little excitement back into your life. So, what will your first-time experience be?

Have a great week,

SC