~  ‘A courageous leap of faith can lead you into unchartered territory, enabling you to build a new more adventurous life.  Though you may anticipate that fear will be your guide on your journey across the abyss, you will likely discover that exhilaration is your constant companion.’  ~

Trying something new can be very scary.

It’s that feeling of doing something completely novel that takes us out of our comfort zone and into unknown, unchartered territory.  That’s o.k., it’s supposed to feel that way.  In fact, studies have shown that taking risks and trying new things makes us happier.  It gives us self confidence, higher life satisfaction and even a chemical high.  Yep, the simple of act trying something new, and that slightly panicky feeling that accompanies, increases dopamine levels in our brain and gives us that brief high on life feeling.

So how do we brave up and take more risks?

Getting up the gumption to try something new doesn’t require herculean effort, just a little bit of practice. If you’re new to risk taking, start with small things and work your way up.  For instance, a small risk may be initiating a conversation at a party, or asking someone to dance.  Once you’ve conquered those, start taking bigger chances, like planning a solo adventure, starting your own business, or delving into a new relationship.  These are where the big fat rewards lie, but they take more courage.  Remember… the worst that can happen is that you take the risk and hate it.  At least then you’ll know, and will have learned something new.  The best case scenario, is you love it, feel exhilarated by taking the risk and have achieved a whole new level of growth (aka become a way cooler person)

Traveling to new places can help in becoming more confident in ourselves and in taking risks.

I’m constantly forcing myself to try and go outside my comfort zone.  It’s not easy, as I’m very comfortable there.  But travel helps me do it in a fun and exciting way.  How?  Being out and about in the world frees us of our normal constraints.  When traveling, we are constantly surrounded by new things which forces us (in a fun way) to flex our risk taking muscles.  If you’re one of those people that has never left your home state but whiles in your cubicle daydreaming about escaping reality for a while, take a leap of faith and start planning a trip. First step: choose the date.  Ask off from work, even if you’re not sure where you are going yet or if you have someone to go with.  Take that one simple step, the rest will fall into place.  Once you make a decision to do something, all kinds of forces come to your aid to help you get what you want. So don’t worry too much about the details, they will work themselves out.  The important thing is that you do it.  Take the leap, have faith things will work out, honor your need for new experiences, adventure, and happiness and go!

If you’re stuck on destination ideas, here are a few places you can start:

Top Budget Travel Destinations for 2009

Lonely Planet

National Geographic Traveler (one of my favorites for cool photos, stories and interviews)

The Frugal Traveler (awesome travel blog in NY Times)

Happy Travels!

Related posts:

1. Dare Yourself
2. Central American Revelations
3. Becoming Location Independent
4. Why Travel is So Addictive
5. Re-energize with a Mini Break