I once knew someone who very much believed themselves to be in the mindset of never wanting to be stagnant; always seeking something “different” or exciting.

This same person, however, refused to eat at a restaurant that didn’t have Google reviews, alternated the same meals every week, took the same routes to the same places for “convenience,” and got weirded out by the idea of switching “their” side of the bed with a partner unless there was a justified reason. What is it that makes us feel good about saying we want the unconventional but staying committed to ordinary routines?

Let’s examine how we can fall out of the slump of “normal” without causing problematic disruptions.

It’s a Mental State

Naturally, we’re conditioned to fall into routines that overflow into adulthood. Awareness is one of the first major steps to changing up a daily routine or ditching it. This may come as a shock because every self-help book from the last decade emphasizes keeping a routine.

That is no different here. The best way to change things up is to create a new habit specifically to switch routines. I’d recommend making a list of little routines and a separate list for bigger routines in order to start small and work your way up to something more important.

Start Small, but Think Big

Using the example above, if you always sleep on the same side of the bed, then try sleeping on the other side. Yes, something this small will feel awkward at first. If you’re a middle sleeper, try sleeping on the opposite end of the bed to get comfortable doing something rare. You can do little things like this in your personal space to gain confidence.

What about something you’d never wear, typically? Go for it! The purpose is to learn to say yes to the unknown to get outside of your conventional comfort. When the time comes, this will make it easier to see the bigger picture when weighing options over creating a negative mental block. For example, going on a random drive anywhere just because.

Get Consistent With Being Open-Minded

By consistently doing the little things, which progress onward, then when the time comes for something bigger, you will be prepared to go for it without so much anxiety. For example, if a partner says “let’s go on a road trip tomorrow.” Your first thought might still be to think about all of the other plans you have, or things you planned to get done that day or consider time/money. That last one might be valid, but the point is to try something different and don’t overthink it!

Don’t Overthink It

When is the last time you took a random road trip? Have you tried going somewhere alone? While time and money might be true factors, those shouldn’t be logical first questions. How about, “where to?” A road trip could be to the other side of town or less than an hour of a drive. Don’t overthink it to talk yourself out of something new or out of an experience in order to remain in a tiny bubble of apprehension, excuses, and commitment to your daily routine or comfort.

Involve Others

You don’t have to do this alone! Try saying yes the next time someone asks you to go somewhere that you aren’t interested in attending. If you are more introverted or isolated, try forums or virtual clubs/events/activities to get involved in something with complete strangers.

Get Like Nike

Just do it! You’re only holding yourself back by saying no as a reassurance. Hold yourself accountable to saying yes more often, within reason.

How about it? What new things are you willing to try?