Newness is relative. When a scientist discovers a “new” plant or insect, they are, in reality, finally noticing a neighbor who’s been on the block much longer than we have. The flora and fauna that evolved here in North America were new to the ancients who made their way from Asia, and new once again to the European explorers, but, in terms of evolution, were as old as anything else on this planet. The “New World,” in other words, was only new to human eyes.
Take another example. In ancient Greece, women were forbidden to drink wine unsupervised. Long before the French popularized “the kiss,” Greek men were testing to see if women were drinking wine by, you guessed it, the Greek kiss! And the cherished noodles my Italian grandmother made every Sunday were borrowed from China long before any Italian enjoyed spaghetti.
I often advise my clients to “try something new.” According to these examples, there really isn’t anything new to try. Still, there’s a joy in discovery. Finding a “new” favorite food or a “new” perfect hiking trail feels like a Eureka moment, even if others have trod that path before. Everything under the sun has been done. But not by you…yet!
Trying new things is good for leaders. It puts us back in a place of starting over, trying for the first time, and seeing things through beginner’s eyes. By trying something new or foreign to our own experiences, we cultivate more empathy with others because we can remind ourselves what it’s like to not yet know. By trying something new or contrary to the things we are familiar with, we cultivate new ways of being–new ways of thinking, feeling, seeing, speaking, and even moving our bodies. And, if you hit the jackpot, new ways of believing.
I decided to take my own advice. At the time of writing this blog, I am eagerly anticipating my 5th Aikido lesson. Aikido is new to me. While it’s one of the newer martial arts, its history is rich, its philosophy intrigues me, and the physical challenge is something I’ve never quite experienced in my five decades of living. I’m taking on this new challenge with my 13 year
old son who is already outperforming me. I am reminded that comparing myself to him is not
helpful unless I want my ego bruised again and again.
Instead, I’m choosing to be grateful for another new experience: in this new space my son gets to be my teacher! He has already taught me to focus on what’s in front of me, not what’s in my head. He’s coached me to remember that practice makes progress, not perfection, and that the car ride to and from lessons is as valuable as the time in the lesson we all share together. I’d be missing all of these wonderful experiences and lessons if I stuck with what I already knew and didn’t try something new!
So, this month, I encourage you to try something new. Stay present to the thoughts and feelings that accompany your exciting endeavor. And, most importantly, stay open to being transformed in the process.
If you’d like help getting started, send me an email at bill@getemergent.com. I’d be happy to give some suggestions!
This Post Has One Comment
I think this is good for people who are not too bright which is likely most people. Taking it a step further, if people need suggestions on this from you, send them to me and I can help too.