Quick confession: I find it hard to try new things.
Sometimes when I do, they don’t turn out well. So once I find something I like or something that works for me, I stick with it no matter what. I hold on to it so dearly. Never letting it go — until I can’t anymore. Just like my favourite yellow and black dress. You can ask my parents and sister about it when you see them.
On several occasions I declined certain things or just decided to go with what I had because I did not want change. I was not ready to try new things.
I’m not the person who jumps on trends — hairstyles, dresses, you name it. I get them when they’re out — or never get them at all.
I also don’t consider myself to be someone who’s usually affected by FOMO (fear of missing out). It’s nuanced though. There are some occasions where FOMO drives me to take action.
Why am I telling you this?
It’s because I realise it’s not (really) a good thing to not want to try new things. I don’t mean you have to jump on every trend or try everything you’re asked to do. But if you can (and it seems good), why not? You never know what you’ll find. Or how it will help you. Plus, they say opportunity comes but once.
I’ve had so many instances where I said No to trying new things. Years, months, or weeks later, I find myself doing those things and I go like, “Oh, so this was it. I didn’t know it was this comfortable. Helpful. Thrilling.” Etc. If I had told people about the “before” and “afters” of these scenarios, they would have probably sung me so many “I told you so”
After my service to the nation, I got a hybrid role.
On my first day (in-office), my boss asked if I wanted a laptop stand and an extra screen for work. I hadn’t used any of those before. I didn’t think I needed them, so I said no. She asked twice. I still said no and that I was all good.
I started thinking about all the things that could go wrong if I used them. And because I hadn't used them before, I did not want to fail.
That's how I declined the offer and never got to know why I needed a laptop stand — proper ventilation, ergonomics, etc.). It wasn't until late last year that I realised the need for a stand and bought one. Since then, I've been enjoying its benefits.
With Q1 2024 almost over and 9 months to go, it's safe to say: This year is still young and still yours—say yes to opportunity and explore freely.
I hope what you explore ends well for you. And if it doesn’t, consider it a learning opportunity. I’ll try to do same. ✨
Love,
D.
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