Confidence / Building Self-Confidence / Lesson 25

LESSON 25 · BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE

Try Something New Every Week

Twelve ideas for trying something new each week, so change starts to feel normal.

New things keep your confidence flexible. One small new thing a week is enough.

35 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

35 tips that really help

These ideas come from The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman), The Gifts of Imperfection (Brené Brown), Mindset (Carol Dweck), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why novelty builds confidence

Doing new things shows you that you can adapt. Each success makes the next change less scary.

TRY THIS
Decide to try one new thing each week.

TIP 2

Make a list of ideas

Write ten small things, such as a new recipe, a new walking route or a new class. A list removes decision stress.

TRY THIS
Write your ten ideas now.

TIP 3

Keep it small

A new thing can be taking a different bus or trying a new fruit. Small changes count.

TRY THIS
Choose something you can do in under an hour.

TIP 4

Schedule it

Put your new thing in your calendar like an appointment. Scheduled things happen.

TRY THIS
Block one hour this week.

TIP 5

Do it with someone

Shared adventures are more fun and keep you accountable.

TRY THIS
Invite one friend to join this week.

TIP 6

Try something you feel nervous about

Pick a mildly scary option like speaking to a stranger. It stretches courage safely.

TRY THIS
Add one slightly scary item to your list.

TIP 7

Note how it felt

After the activity, write one line about your feelings. It builds self-knowledge.

TRY THIS
Write one line each week.

TIP 8

Do not judge too early

Give new things a fair try before deciding you dislike them. Often the second try is better.

TRY THIS
Try one new thing twice before judging.

TIP 9

Learn something from it

Ask what the new thing taught you about yourself.

TRY THIS
Write one lesson from each new experience.

TIP 10

Share the story

Telling others about your new try makes it feel real and often inspires them.

TRY THIS
Post or tell one story this week.

TIP 11

Keep a weekly log

A simple list of the new things you have tried is a joy to read later.

TRY THIS
Start a log in your notes app.

TIP 12

Repeat favourites

If you love something new, make it a regular habit.

TRY THIS
Pick one new thing to repeat next month.

TIP 13

Keep a novelty jar

Write small ideas on slips of paper and draw one each week. The jar removes the stress of deciding what to try.

TRY THIS
Make a novelty jar tonight with five ideas.

TIP 14

Try a different route

A new walk or drive shakes up your brain and shows you things you did not notice before. It is the smallest kind of adventure.

TRY THIS
Take a different route today.

TIP 15

Taste something new

A new food or drink is an easy adventure that costs little. Curiosity grows when you taste.

TRY THIS
Try a new dish this week.

TIP 16

Visit a place you have never been

A museum, park or shop in your own town brings fresh energy. Choose somewhere close and simple.

TRY THIS
Pick a new place for the weekend.

TIP 17

Learn a tiny new skill

Juggling, knots or a phrase in another language gives a quick win in ten minutes. Small skills build the courage for bigger ones.

TRY THIS
Learn one new thing in ten minutes today.

TIP 18

Meet someone new

Starting a chat with someone you have not met before counts as novelty and builds social confidence. Keep it light.

TRY THIS
Start one new conversation this week.

TIP 19

Join a one-off class

A drop-in session lets you try something without commitment. Look for taster sessions near you.

TRY THIS
Find a taster class this month.

TIP 20

Read outside your usual topics

Pick a book or article from a genre you normally avoid. Novelty for the mind keeps it flexible.

TRY THIS
Read ten pages of something different.

TIP 21

Watch something from another country

A film or series from another culture stretches your view and gives you new ideas. Choose one with subtitles.

TRY THIS
Pick one to watch this week.

TIP 22

Change a small routine

Switch your breakfast, your seat or your morning order. Small shifts build flexibility.

TRY THIS
Change one routine tomorrow.

TIP 23

Take on a one-week challenge

A short challenge such as a daily walk gives structure and a feeling of completion. Keep it small.

TRY THIS
Start one on Monday.

TIP 24

Volunteer once

One shift gives you a new experience and new people. It is novelty with meaning.

TRY THIS
Sign up for one shift.

TIP 25

Try a new hobby session

Painting, baking or gardening can start with a single session. Be a happy beginner.

TRY THIS
Book one session.

TIP 26

Take a photo walk

Wander with a camera or phone and look for something new to photograph. Noticing is a form of novelty.

TRY THIS
Take ten photos on a walk.

TIP 27

Cook a new recipe

A new recipe tests skill and delights friends. Choose a simple one and enjoy the process.

TRY THIS
Cook one new dish this week.

TIP 28

Dress a little differently

A new colour or style can lift mood and teach you that you are flexible. Experiment safely.

TRY THIS
Wear something you have not worn before.

TIP 29

Say yes to a new invitation

Invitations bring novelty, new people and new places. Say yes when you can.

TRY THIS
Accept one this week.

TIP 30

Learn a new word daily

A word a day builds a habit of curiosity and takes only a minute. Pick a dictionary app.

TRY THIS
Learn one word today.

TIP 31

Be a tourist in your own town

Visit the landmarks you have never seen. You may be surprised.

TRY THIS
Plan a local outing.

TIP 32

Record your experiences

A weekly note about what you tried makes the novelty memorable. Three lines are enough.

TRY THIS
Start a log tonight.

TIP 33

Notice how you feel afterwards

Most people feel proud and energised after trying something new. Writing it down builds the habit.

TRY THIS
Write one word about your mood.

TIP 34

Share the story

Telling a friend what you tried deepens the memory and may inspire them. Stories spread courage.

TRY THIS
Tell someone this week.

TIP 35

Plan the next new thing

Looking ahead and booking something gives you something to anticipate. Anticipation is a joy of its own.

TRY THIS
Add one new thing to your calendar.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.

INVITE

“Would you like to try something new with me?”

CURIOUS

“I have never done this before, so show me how.”

SHARE

“This week I tried a new thing.”

PLAN

“Next week I will try something different.”

ASK

“What is something you have always wanted to try?”

PROUD

“I stepped outside my comfort zone.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
List ten tiny new things

DAY 2
Pick one for this week

DAY 3
Do it and note how it felt

DAY 4
Invite a friend to join

DAY 5
Share a photo or story

DAY 6
Choose the next one

DAY 7
Review your month of new things

Further reading

• The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman)
• The Gifts of Imperfection (Brené Brown)
• Mindset (Carol Dweck)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.