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Whether it’s the start of a new year, a new chapter in your life, or you’re just plain ol’ bored and longing for some change, you may find yourself looking for new things to try.
Trying something new isn’t just good for adding a little more passion to your life; it’s also a great way to get to know yourself.
So, let’s take a look at some new things to try in 2023, and onward!
1. Learn Something New
When it comes to trying something new, there’s always going to be some kind of learning curve.
For some this may be a downside, but for those who enjoy stretching their mind:
Pick a subject and dive in!
Take Free Online College Courses
Websites like Coursera offer free online college courses.
You won’t get any kind of certification or college credits without paying, but if you just want to learn for the sake of learning, that part is 100% free!
I’ve taken quite a few courses on Coursera, myself, and can personally recommend A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment, a highly rated course which teaches you how to be happy.
But, if free online college courses aren’t doing it for ya, you can always go it on your own!
Do Your Own Research
If you’re interested in a particular topic, like a certain element of history or science, take to the internet (or, y’know, good ol’ fashioned books), and learn at your own pace!
This year, I’ve decided to spend 20 minutes a day learning about the history of Wales, one of my big special interests.
What things are you so interested in that you’re motivated to learn about them on your own?
Learn a Language
Language learning apps like Duolingo make learning a new language easier than ever!
The benefits of learning a new language are numerous.
It can improve your memory, your listening skills, and your attention span – to name a few things!
Learn an Instrument
Guitar, piano, drums, violin, harp, trumpet, sax… the possibilities are (nearly) endless!
You can take music lessons professionally or teach yourself at home.
And, once you feel confident enough in your skills, maybe you’ll want to try the next thing on the list!
2. Become a Performer
If you’re looking for new things to try and ways to grow in confidence, try getting on stage!
Join an improv comedy group, get into local theatre, or play music at a café!
3. Start Drawing
You don’t have to be an Artist™ to be an artist.
If you want to try drawing (or painting or sculpting or any other form of visual art, for that matter), you already have an artist’s spirit!
Approach art however you want to. You can doodle as a fun, silly hobby, or take on the goal of becoming a skilled portrait artist, for example.
You can even challenge yourself to do a drawing every day!
4. Get Into Photography
Whether you end up a professional photographer or simply a passionate hobbyist, photography is a great way to save memories and be creative!
You don’t have to start with professional equipment, either. Taking a daily photo on your phone or tablet can be both fun and reflective. It’s like making a digital scrapbook!
Or maybe you’d rather get crafty and make an actual scrapbook…
5. Get Crafty
If you’re looking for new things to try, getting crafty presents you with so many opportunities!
You can try your hand (pun intended) at sewing, knitting, crocheting, calligraphy…
Then there’s making jewelry, clothing, and other accessories… the list goes on!
Check out Pinterest for some fun ideas to get crafty with!
6. DIY Home Products
Other ways to get crafty can be beneficial for both your home and the environment.
If you’re wanting to make your home more eco-friendly, you can try something new by making your own home products!
A quick online search will turn out dozens of recipes to make your own deodorant, toothpaste, cleaning sprays, and more!
7. Join a Club
Maybe you’re looking for new things to try, but don’t want to do them alone.
So join a group and try something new with other people!
You can join Meetup groups, local sports leagues, religious or spiritual communities, or other local groups.
Pssst. If you’re socially anxious or shy, but still want to belong to a community, try online groups.
Discord servers centered on an interest you’re passionate about can be a great way to find friends and a sense of community online.
(Also, there may be local Meetup groups for introverts or people with social anxiety – knowing you’re surrounded with people who get it can make it easier to join a group.)
8. Experiment With Your Style
Trying something new with your personal style can be a fun way to liven up your life.
Not to mention, self expression is a key aspect of discovering and creating the person you want to be!
So try on different styles. Change up your hair. Play with makeup and wigs (no matter your gender; self expression has no bounds)!
Maybe you’ll find a new aesthetic. Maybe you’ll feel silly and never dye your hair bright orange again. But give it a go, anyway!
Have fun with yourself, and don’t take it too seriously.
9. Get Spiritual
No matter your religious beliefs (if any), having a sense of spirituality is a concept that’s open to all.
You can start a simple spiritual practice of reflecting on all the things you’re grateful for each day.
Or adding meditation to your morning routine.
Explore different forms of spirituality, and keep what resonates with you. Let go of what doesn’t.
Pro tip! Approach spirituality as a slow journey of curiosity, rather than a desperate search for certainty.
You don’t have to have all the answers to life, the Universe, and everything (shoutout in the comments if you got that reference, hah).
The real beauty of a spiritual journey is in the journey.
The not knowing. The curiosity. The appreciation for the simultaneous complexity and simplicity of life.
10. Start Writing
Whether or not you identify as an Author™, I believe there’s a writer in all of us. We all have something to say.
You don’t have to write with the intention of becoming a bestselling author. Just journaling can help add something new to your life!
Or, if you have an affinity for fiction, write some short stories (or full novels, if you’re so inspired). If you end up publishing them, great! If not, that’s great, too!
Some stories we write just for ourselves, to get our ideas out onto paper (or, uh, typed up on a computer).
Look at a list of writing prompts and do one every day, or once a week – whenever you feel inspired!
11. Dance Your Heart Out
I am pretty poorly coordinated, but I’ve always wanted to learn to dance like Fred Astaire.
I may not be very good at it, but I’m not doing it to be seen as a skilled dancer – I’m doing it to express myself and move my body in a way that makes me feel free!
Whatever type(s) of dance appeal to you, you can start learning by watching dance tutorial videos on YouTube.
Or, if you’re really serious about it, join a dance class in your local area!
12. Go Outside
There are so many fun new things to try in the great outdoors, including:
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Skating
- Cycling
- Surfing
- Running
- Climbing
- Camping
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
…and more!
Or, perhaps you’d prefer to enjoy the outdoors by finding a nice spot to sit and just observe the beauty of nature around you.
Listen to the birds, the sound of water flowing, or of wind in the trees. Touch the dirt, or a tree trunk, or a cool-looking rock. Smell the (hopefully) fresh air.
Stop and smell the roses!
It’s good for you physically, mentally, and, arguably, spiritually as well.
13. Try Volunteering
With volunteering, you can honor your personal values and try something new at the same time! Two for one!
Need some ideas? Here are 11 different kinds of ways to volunteer.
Homework Assignment
Your mission (should you choose to accept it), is to pick three things from this list of new things to try that stood out to you.
Write ’em down (that makes it feel more Official).
Then, take the first step towards trying them. Dip your toe in the water.
If you end up not liking it, you can always let it go!
But there’s no harm in trying something new, and you might actually end up finding a new passion!
Life is a collection of experiences.
Let’s give ourselves a treat and not limit our life experiences to the same old things forever.
Sincerely,
Still looking for things to do? Here’s a list of things you can do outside of the house, on your own!
While we’re on the subject of what we do with our lives, here’s how to make sure you’re living for yourself.
Which of these ideas for new things to try sparked your interest?
Do you have any other suggestions for people wanting to try something new?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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