If you were like me, your first time in the gym was in your adult life. Whatever is the reason that pushed you to go to the gym for the first time, lack of confidence in your body and ability to work it out kicks in, on top of the simple social anxiety. You are going to a place, where majority is most likely to be made of very fit people and you feel you don’t quite belong there.

I brought this example because every new venture feels like this for most people. Humans are usually not good at handling changes and that’s alright. The real question is whether you are able to overcome your dark thoughts and not only give it a try despite them, but make sure you try your best. The outcome may very likely surprise you.

My life philosophy could be best described as “because why not?”. Even if I’m slightly anxious at the beginning, I’m still willing to try new things, as almost always there is nothing to lose. I moved to a high school in another city to get my International Baccalaureate, because I knew the chance of being worse-off is very low. I did both of my degrees abroad, because I knew this won’t give me any less opportunity. I took a gap year in Canada, knowing that even if I won’t find a job, I still get to experience this beautiful country.

Of course, for many people it feels it’s easier said than done. It’s all easy when you have money to pay for your education, or even pay for rent and eating out. During my undergraduate studies in Rotterdam, however, I had a very hard time as I had no access to all these resources. My relatives and many classmates had very little understanding of my situation and I felt quite lonely and depressed.

To paraphrase John F. Kennedy:

“I did it not because it’s easy, but because it’s very hard”.

Trying new things is the best way to get to know yourself better, learn your abilities and what you want to do in life. Knowing what makes you depressed is also very valuable knowledge! Make sure, however, to escape any negative environment as soon as you can. As Steven Levitt said to students in Rotterdam during his honorary PhD ceremony, if you don’t feel something is good for you, “quit before it’s too late”.

After all these years of various experiences, I can finally say I’m proud of myself. However, we should never forget there are people, who have all the reasons to be even more proud. Such people, like Mai Le, London-based founder from Vietnam, were always my inspiration and I still have a long way to go before achieving their level of success.

Disclaimer: I have never met Mai and I am not affiliated to her in any way. I know her only through following her blog.

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