What’s new?

Every year when Labor Day rolls around I return to the feelings of excitement I had growing up.  School was starting and I’d see friends I hadn’t seen over the summer.  I’d have some new clothes to wear and new school supplies.  I would have a new class schedule, new subjects and new teachers.  The newness of it all was something I embraced every year.

Keeping an element of the new is important to me.  My mind continues to be challenged, I may have new ideas and thoughts because of it.  Certainly my experience expands.  I resist falling into the pattern of mindless habits, apathy and boredom.  Follow are some ways I keep things new:

1.  Take a class.  There are all sorts of classes available.  You can look at your local community college, your fitness gym or online classes.  I just signed up for two cooking classes offered by a nearby cookware store.  Classes come in all forms.  My cooking classes are 2 hours in length.  They don’t have to come with a big time commitment.  The key is to try something you haven’t done in the past – that is somewhat of interest to you.  You’ll be amazed what new ideas will pop into your head when you learn something new.

2.  Remove.  Clean out your closets, drawers, linens, cupboards, kitchen and anything else that holds your “stuff”.  If you haven’t worn or used something in over a year, chances are you’re not going to.  Pass on anything you don’t use and is still in working order to charity.  After you’ve gone through the process once, consider a second round.  Be critical of things that you don’t need, use, want or love – pass them on to others.

3.  Replace.  Removing items that are worn, in disrepair, or are no longer useful will make room for any replacement items you might find.  Replace these items mindfully asking yourself each time do you really need, use or want the item to take up space in your home or office.  Sometimes something as simple as purchasing a new pen or pad of paper can generate all kinds of new ideas.

4.  New friends.  Other people can bring new ideas and perspectives into our lives.  Perhaps there is someone you barely know who seems interesting, ask them to join you for coffee.  Ask lots of questions, find out what you can, see if there is a friendship fit.  At networking events, talk to a minumum of three new people that you don’t know or don’t know well.  Expanding your network is a great way to generate new ideas.

5.  Routine.  Shake up your routine.  Drive a different way to work.  Complete your errands during the week rather than on Saturday.  Take a walk after dinner instead of switching on the television.  Consciously choose what you want to do.  Bringing routines to your awareness can help you think a bit differently and see things in a new way.

Is keeping things new important to you?  What do you do to generate new ideas and thoughts?  Leave your comments below.

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