“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.”
As we get older the opportunities to gradually ossify our mindset become more numerous. “I never got around to doing x, now it’s too late”; “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, etc. So we stop experimenting, we stop trying new stuff.
There’s plenty of science showing that, on the contrary, having new experiences, meeting new people doing it, and challenging limiting beliefs is seriously good for our long term mental health. So what if you quit the piano aged seven? – You’re not going to fill the Albert Hall for your next recital, but you may be able to jam with your mates or entertain family members at Christmas…
Beyond the new skills level, purpose also plays a role: deciding to grow vegetables may be a way to chip into your community. Teaching finance basics at your local college may help just one person to avoid a chaotic life in five years’ time.
Here is a little exercise: list a few things that would be cool to do (play ‘Candle In The Wind’; work on an allotment…) and ask yourself how you and others would benefit. Which one will you start with?
