I recently had the glorious experience of visiting my brother and his family down in Miami.  They were on “holiday” from their home in Sao Paulo, Brazil and it was the perfect opportunity to check in with their lives and re-connect.

As a major bonus, my brother surprised me by renting jet skis to explore downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.  It was like taking a Harley out on the water!

We caught the major wakes of cruise ships, flew under several bridges, and throttled it up on the open water with the downtown skyline in the background.  An adrenaline rush for the ages.

For the majority of the family, it was the first time experiencing the thrill of downtown jet skiing.  It was exhilarating to mix up the routine and try something completely different.  It provided incredible perspective and a new appreciation for the little things in life.  And it got me thinking about the power of the popular Darius Rucker song:

When Was the Last Time You Did Something for the First Time?

And couldn’t we all benefit from stepping outside our routine and trying something for the first time?

We Can’t Always Stick With Our Routines

In our work lives, routine can actually be a good thing.  We develop a process through repetition to connect and solve problems.  A particular sales approach.  A predictable cadence with our clients.  A unique style of teaching or coaching.  A set of leadership values that instill confidence.

But what happens when we hit a brick wall? What happens when our “tried and true” falls flat?  How willing are we to try out something for the first time?

Perhaps we need to be more aggressive.  Perhaps we need to explore other angles.  Perhaps we need to find a different way to connect.  Perhaps we need to step down off our pedestal and offer more empathy.

We climbed the mountain by honing a particular approach.  That is our currency.  But sometimes there is a dip in value.  We can’t always stick with our routines.  A fresh perspective and a fresh approach can be exhilarating!

We Need to Mix it Up

The same is true in our personal lives.  We need to be consistent with our relationships.  We need to establish a personal routine.  We have people counting on us to nurture and guide them through life.  A steady foundation is critical to a successful life.

But change is also an important part of survival.  We can’t be afraid to mix it up when we fall into a rut.  Perhaps we need to stop being a pushover. Or perhaps we need to lighten up.  Perhaps we need a change of scenery.  Perhaps we need to fly along the Biscayne Bay and catch air on a monster wake!

Whatever it is, trying something new and gaining a fresh perspective  can kick start our adrenaline and renew the appreciation of our routine.

It’s All About Perspective

I’m not suggesting we need to assume a new personality or try out for the Winter X Games.  It’s not about abandoning our true self.  It’s not about taking unnecessary risks for the sake of a cheap thrill.

But trying something for the first time provides valuable perspective and actually generates more creativity and freedom.  The feeling of uncertainty.  The unfamiliar reactions.  The gut-wrenching sensation of not knowing how the story ends.  All of this is stressful.  But all of this makes us feel alive.

And if we are going to practice resiliency in our everyday lives, we need to occasionally break out of our routine and try something for the first time.

Sometimes, we have to mix it up to stay resilient.

Resiliency Blossoms in New Places

Establish a solid routine and hone it to perfection.  It will provide you with a solid base for personal and professional success.  But don’t let that routine become a shackle to your development.  There is a great big, beautiful world out there.  And there are new experiences all around us.

So don’t be afraid to occasionally break free.  Mix up the routine and take a stand.  Expand your circle of friends and reach out to new groups.  Get off your phones and step out into nature.  Feel the rush of adrenaline that comes with uncertainty and the great unknowns in this world.

Our routine will always be there for us.  It is sustaining nourishment for our souls.  But we can’t solely rely on familiarity to carry us in dark times.

Resiliency blossoms in new and uncomfortable environments.  Once you embrace the change, there is nothing that can stop you.

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Until next week, keep smiling.