By Elly Herrick, Editor-in-Chief
I hate New Year’s resolutions. I hate the concept that people feel the need to change themselves in order to satisfy some sort of public ritual.
So when asked about what New Year’s resolution I had, I simply said ‘trying new things’. Now I’m at a football game with an $1,800 camera in my hand.
Trying new things gives us this adrenaline rush to overcome our fears of doing this new thing. While it doesn’t have to be skydiving or swimming with sharks, joining a club or talking more in class are small steps people can take in order to grow into the best version of themselves.
Even when you try something new and completely fall on your face, you still grow and learn more about yourself.
Trying new things also improves your brain function. When learning new things, it exercises your brain which increases cognitive functions like attention span and problem solving.
Trying out new hobbies can create a boost of dopamine which can improve your confidence. Going out of your comfort zone and taking advantage of new and unique opportunities help you learn more about yourself and can shift yourself into a more positive mindset.
Doing new things takes steps toward destroying fears and leads us ito a new version of ourselves. Walking in a new club or enrolling in a new pottery class gives us this rush like no other.
Having the opportunity to hold that $1,800 camera for the first time was one of the scariest moments in my life, but I never looked back and now it has become the most rewarding time in my life. I’m taking steps to become the best version of myself, and even if I may not be good at everything, I try. I can at least say that I did it.