Experiment
“Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
This week’s quote comes from the journals of Ralph Waldo Emerson, a leader of the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. These words ring oh so true to me, and when I find myself doubting my actions or questioning things, remembering that all of life is an experiment is quite comforting. Honestly, not too many people (if any!) actually know what’s going on so the more we can experiment and play around with what we call ‘the truth’, the better. Let’s get messy!
This is the approach I take in my well-being coaching program, which introduces me to mostly new and sometimes familiar concepts each week across a range of disciplines which I then study, practice, and integrate into my life. Reading that back, I’m framing this process as way more linear than it actually is - this entire experience is much more like climbing a very large, very intricate spiral staircase where the same topics come up each week, but each week we are viewing said topic from a new lens or perspective. For example, some of my experiments this week focus on statistics, social psychology, listening to my psyche, and painting my outlook (among MANY others!).
Life is not linear, create your own mini-life experiments and get messy
For those that have the desire to create your own mini life experiments, a super safe and fun area to explore are 30-day challenges. This idea of breaking old habits and creating new habits fascinates me, and since research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to make a new habit why not build momentum by starting out with a 30-day challenge? A quick Google search will yield millions of results - this idea is not new, but has been a powerful force of good in my life.
I am not here to tell you that you’re going to change your entire life trajectory in 30 days; however, I will bet that you will learn so much about yourself just by holding yourself accountable and creating a few minutes for reflection and contemplation. If you’re worried about not showing up for yourself, find a friend (or 2, or 3, or more!). This way, you’ll have a built-in accountability buddy. I have a good friend who I am usually completing some sort of 30-day challenge with - it’s been invaluable to my growth and overall outlook these past several months.
What works for me may not work for you, but if you’re looking for a place to start - here are some of the 30-day challenges that I’m either currently working through or completed this year:
For me, one of the biggest takeaways I’ve had through approaching multiple 30-day challenges at once is practicing forgiveness - especially towards myself if I miss a day. I am a human, and humans are allowed to be messy and make mistakes. Therefore, as I am human, I am also allowed to be messy and make mistakes. Same applies to you (I am assuming you are a human and NOT a robot).
I’d love to hear what experiments you are adding to your life, along with any fun insights or new things you learn about yourself along the way!
Aloha Always,
Corey
