Life often feels like a series of closed doors, doesn’t it? Every “what if” moment comes with a built-in excuse, a fear of failure, or just plain inertia. It’s easy to stick with what’s familiar. But what if you dared to do something different? What if you tried?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve hit a point where your daily routine feels like groundhog day. Maybe you’re bored, uninspired, or wondering where all the excitement went. You’ve got dreams buried somewhere, right? Dreams to write that book, start that business, get fit, or even just learn to dance without tripping over your own feet. But instead of making progress, you’re stuck. Let’s change that.
Why You Don’t Try
First, let’s talk about the roadblocks—those little voices in your head that stop you before you even begin.
1. Fear of Failure
You might think, What if I try and fail? But let’s flip that around. What if you try and succeed? Here’s the secret: failure is part of the process. It’s not a permanent label; it’s a stepping stone. Each mistake teaches you something valuable, so the real failure is never trying.
2. Perfection Paralysis
Ever waited for the “perfect” time to start something? Newsflash: perfection doesn’t exist. Life is messy, schedules are chaotic, and there will always be obstacles. The best time to start? Right now.
3. Fear of Judgment
We’ve all been there—afraid someone will mock us for trying something new. But honestly, most people are too busy worrying about themselves to notice your missteps. And the ones who judge? They’re not your people anyway.
What Happens When You Don’t Try
Let’s paint a picture. Imagine your future self—20 years from now. What would they say if you kept ignoring that nagging desire to do something different? Regret is one of the heaviest burdens to carry, and it often comes not from the things you did, but from the things you didn’t do.
When you stay in your comfort zone, you might feel safe, but you’ll also feel stuck. Life becomes smaller, duller. Sure, you avoid risk, but you also avoid growth, joy, and discovery. Is that really living?
What If You Did Try?
Let’s flip the script. Picture this: you decide to go for it. You embrace the discomfort of trying something new. What could happen?
1. You Grow
Growth doesn’t happen when everything is easy. It happens when you challenge yourself. Whether it’s learning a new skill, improving your health, or stepping into an unfamiliar role, trying forces you to expand your limits.
2. You Build Confidence
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build. Each small win—even the imperfect ones—adds to your belief that you can handle whatever comes your way.
3. You Discover Joy
Trying something new often leads to unexpected happiness. Maybe it’s the satisfaction of completing a project, the thrill of nailing a difficult task, or the joy of meeting like-minded people along the way.
4. You Inspire Others
Your courage to try doesn’t just affect you—it ripples outward. When your kids, friends, or colleagues see you stepping up, it gives them permission to do the same.
How to Start
Alright, you’re convinced (or at least curious), but where do you begin? Let’s break it down into bite-sized steps.
1. Pick One Thing
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to overhaul your entire life. Choose one thing you’ve been itching to try. Maybe it’s signing up for a class, starting a morning walk, or finally dusting off that guitar in the corner.
2. Set a Tiny Goal
Make it so easy you can’t say no. Want to write a book? Start with one sentence a day. Dream of running a marathon? Begin with a 5-minute walk. Tiny steps build momentum.
3. Embrace Imperfection
You’re going to stumble—guaranteed. Embrace it. Laugh at your missteps and keep going. Remember, progress beats perfection every time.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Every step forward is worth celebrating. Reward yourself for showing up, even if the results aren’t perfect yet. Those small victories keep you motivated.
5. Find Your Cheerleaders
Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Share your goals with a supportive friend or join a group of like-minded individuals. Encouragement can work wonders.
The Cheeky Challenge
Here’s a fun twist: what’s the most ridiculous thing you could try? Something so out-of-the-box that it makes you laugh just thinking about it. Maybe it’s learning to juggle, taking up karaoke, or trying a TikTok dance. The sillier, the better. Why? Because it reminds you that life doesn’t have to be so serious. Sometimes the best way to break out of a rut is to do something purely for the fun of it.
Real Talk
Let’s get real for a second. You’re not going to wake up tomorrow as a completely different person. Change is slow and sometimes messy. But every day you try, you’re a little closer to becoming the person you want to be.
The truth is, no one’s coming to save you. No fairy godmother, no magical “perfect moment.” The only person who can change your life is you. And you can do it—not because you have to, but because you deserve to.
What If You Tried Today?
You’ve read this far, which means there’s a part of you that’s ready for something new. So, let’s make a deal. Today, you’ll try one thing. It doesn’t have to be big or perfect—just something that gets you moving.
Because the only thing scarier than trying is staying exactly where you are.
So, what if you tried?
