I have a quote hanging in my home office that reads:
“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
Excellent question, mostly because contemplating what that quote means (i.e., being dynamic, not static) keeps me on my toes. It challenges me to step out of my routine and explore roads less traveled. I find that each time I do something new I always learn something. For example, in my work and personal life, when I meet and interact with someone I’ve never met before — which I often do —I am rewarded with a sense of renewal and restored vitality for life. As an added bonus, these new experiences inevitably lead to even more adventures.
In the past year I began taking painting classes, created a passion project, and spent many hours practicing sharing information with you — Meet Me At The Barn’s students — in front of a video camera. These various activities take me way out of my comfort zone — but at the same time they have added so much joy to my life. Now I’m hooked. I continue to explore new opportunities for growth and inspiration. And I challenge you to do the same. What’s your new “something” going to be?
- Discovering to a new restaurant?
- Taking a class?
- Learning a second, third, or fourth language?
- Mastering a musical instrument?
- Creating a new recipe?
- Daring to try a new hairstyle?
- Taking a new route to work?
- Pitching a tent or sleeping out under the stars?
I challenge you: Attempt something new and then get back to me on this. What did you do? What did you discover? Who did you meet? Tell me your stories. I want to know what you are doing to shake up your world — even a little bit.
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About The Author: Annie M. Fonte is the founder and CEO of Meet Me At The Barn — a self-mastery and personal development program designed to help people of purpose achieve their highest level of living. With an MBA from Harvard University, Annie has founded numerous successful ventures in health care, sports medicine, continuing education and hard goods. At Meet Me At The Barn, Annie and her team produce live and online courses that guide clients toward living an authentic life and that help people discover and pursue their true self and passions.