There’s a unique breed of individuals who seem to thrive on novelty and change. You know the ones—these adventurous souls are constantly seeking new experiences, pushing boundaries, and challenging the status quo. Their approach to life not only makes for fascinating stories but also is a masterclass in personal growth and fulfillment. Let’s check out the intriguing behaviors exhibited by people who are always trying new things.
1. Reframing failure as feedback
Rather than viewing failures as setbacks, these adventurers see them as valuable data points. They analyze their unsuccessful attempts with the same enthusiasm they bring to their successes, finding lessons and insights. For example, after a failed attempt at starting a new business, instead of becoming discouraged, they might dissect what went wrong, get advice from mentors, and adjust their approach for the next time. (P.S. If you want some help reframing, these are the best ways to do it, according to CNBC.)
2. Cultivating a beginner’s mindset
People who consistently approach new situations with humility, ready to learn from anyone and everyone. This might manifest as a successful CEO taking an entry-level cooking class and genuinely engaging with the instructor and fellow students without ego. They ask questions without fear of appearing ignorant and are willing to make mistakes.
3. Prioritizing experiences over possessions
These people allocate their resources—both time and money—towards experiences rather than material goods. They might opt for a weekend getaway to try skydiving instead of buying the latest gadget. This preference stems from the understanding that experiences contribute more to long-term happiness and personal growth than material possessions. They collect memories, skills, and stories rather than things. We love it!
4. Developing a unique personal narrative
These individuals often make them great storytellers because they’re able to draw upon a wide range of interesting anecdotes and experiences. This not only makes them fascinating conversationalists but also gives them a strong sense of identity and purpose. Their life story contributes to their personal growth and worldview.
5. Embracing imperfection
People who frequently try new things become super comfortable with not being experts at everything. They understand that being a pro takes time and are willing to be beginners again and again. This comfort with imperfection allows them to enjoy the learning process without being overly self-critical. They can laugh at their mistakes and find joy in getting better.
6. Inspiring others
Perhaps one of the most fascinating behaviors of these individuals is their ability to inspire others. Their enthusiasm for life and willingness to embrace new experiences is contagious. And that’s exactly why they become role models for friends, family, and colleagues, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and run towards new possibilities.
7. Embracing discomfort as a growth opportunity
These individuals don’t just tolerate discomfort; they actively seek it out. They know better than anyone that true growth happens outside the comfort zone. For example, they might deliberately choose to travel solo to a country where they don’t speak the language, knowing that the challenges they’ll face will help them grow. This mindset allows them to push through discomfort and find new strengths and skills.
8. Developing a high tolerance for ambiguity
When you’re always exploring new territories, you face situations where things are uncertain. Because of that, these people become comfortable with not knowing exactly how things will turn out. Whether it’s starting a new project with no guarantee of success or moving to a new city without a set plan, they’re able to proceed despite the lack of clarity. This allows them to take calculated risks and seize opportunities that others might run away from.
9. Cultivating diverse social circles
People who regularly try new things make friendships with a wide variety of individuals. Their varied interests and experiences naturally lead them to interact with people from different backgrounds, professions, and cultures. They might have friends ranging from artists to scientists, from different age groups and nationalities. This broadens their perspective, exposes them to different ways of thinking, and leads to fun collaborative opportunities.
10. Developing a high level of empathy
Speaking of diverse social circles—having them naturally cultivates empathy. That’s because they’ve put themselves in many different situations, so they find it easier to understand and relate to others’ perspectives and experiences. This empathy makes them excellent communicators, leaders, and friends, able to connect with people from every walk of life.
11. Practicing active reflection
After each new experience, these people take time to reflect on what they’ve learned. They might keep a journal, have thoughtful discussions with friends, or just spend quiet time contemplating their experiences. It’s through this active processing that they extract maximum value from each new adventure.
12. Embracing spontaneity
While they do plan and prepare for new experiences, they also leave room for spontaneity. They’re willing to deviate from plans if an interesting opportunity arises. That might look like taking an unplanned detour on a road trip to explore a quirky roadside attraction or saying yes to an impromptu invitation to try a new activity. This openness to the unexpected often leads to some of their most memorable experiences.
13. Cultivating a growth mindset
People who consistently try new things firmly believe in their ability to develop new skills and abilities through effort and practice. This growth mindset (which, according to Psychology Today, was conceived by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck and colleagues) encourages them to take on challenges that stretch their current capabilities. Maybe they have no musical background but they decide to learn a complex instrument in adulthood anyway, believing that with dedication and practice, they can develop skills.
14. Practicing mindfulness
People who regularly try new things tend to develop a heightened sense of presence and mindfulness. The excitement of their experiences naturally pulls them into the present moment, making them aware of their surroundings and sensations. This not only enhances their enjoyment of new experiences but helps them find joy and meaning in everyday moments.
15. Developing exceptional problem-solving skills
Being regularly exposed to new situations hones their ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions. When faced with a challenge, they draw upon their wide range of experiences to approach problems from multiple angles. They’re able to make unique connections and apply lessons from one domain to another.
