Try Something New!

It’s a new year, a new decade. Why not try something new?

For some reason, I’ve been obsessed about learning new things, especially things that I would normally avoid.

How many of us have pre-conceived ideas about what we’re good at and what we’re not?  Or things that come naturally or things we struggle with?

For example, I’ve never thought of myself as very competent with technology.  It’s hard to remember that when I left the corporate world 20 years ago, email and websites were just emerging. Then, in 2000, I was thrust into the world of a solo-entrepreneur. No help desk. No Google. It was sink or swim. Imagine life without Google! Somehow, I figured it out.

Ok Boomer

As a Boomer, sometimes I just don’t want to learn new technology. But I know if I don’t, I’ll be left behind.

So, I slog through learning apps. Whether it’s learning how to download songs from free music sites and creating playlists for my Sonos or how to create a new YouTube Channel and develop and upload new videos, I’m intent on figuring it out.

I know a lot of people who avoid learning new technology. But I have to admit that when I conquer an app, I’m exhilarated and gleeful at my accomplishment! I feel relevant and contemporary again… which is something I never worried about when I was in my 30’s, 40’s or even 50’s!

But Wait, It’s Not Just Boomers

Trying new things isn’t restricted to Boomers, though. It’s really about trying anything that may have stopped you in your tracks in the past.

For me, a grade-school embarrassment traumatized me at age 6 and I have avoided anything related to art: drawing, painting, crafts… I’ve shied away from anything that might expose my perceived artistic ineptitude. I’ll readily admit to being incapable of coloring inside the lines. But I’m learning that art may not be linear and “art” can be expressed in many ways.  How else can you explain Jackson Pollack?

So I have ventured into learning how to do “pour painting.”   I’ve had two classes so far and am letting my inner Pollack emerge. It’s an adventure into a whole new world.

And finally, another endeavor on the learning spectrum:  I’m creating a new YouTube channel. While the details will be forthcoming, I am exploring a new medium to share my thoughts and messages to the world.

Creating a New Vision

You see, in 1996, I was asked to create my future, 150 years out.  I wanted to empower people to live their dreams and I wanted to impact millions of people.

I’m clear that in the past 25 years I have impacted thousands of people – maybe tens of thousands of people. But not millions.

And now, in 2020, I am rejuvenating my vision, to empower millions of people to live their dreams, through a new medium – YouTube.

In the weeks ahead, watch for notices about new videos about how you can Rejuvenate Your Life! I hope you’ll join in the fun!

What are you Learning?

In the meantime, think about an area of your life that you’d like to rejuvenate or learn something new. And I bet that just thinking about it makes you happier!

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. You can respond here:  https://alteringoutcomes.com/try-something-new/#respond

Marty Stanley, CSP, is a national speaker and author who believes that when you rejuvenate just one area of your life you’ll be happier – even if it’s for a day, a week or a month.

martystanley@alteringoutcomes.com    www.alteringoutcomes.com      https://www.linkedin.com/in/martystanley/

816.695.5453 or 858.432.6764