Doing the same thing repeatedly can feel comforting. There’s security in predictability: no surprises, no uncertainty, just reassurance. Over time we grow skilled at the routines we follow, and this sense of mastery can feel like growth. But is it really growth? Can real growth happen without change?

Routine offers stability, and stability fosters understanding. But growth involves some level of instability. It’s about developing - mentally, physically, or spiritually - and development occurs only when doing something new.

Of course, sticking to routines can result in improvement. Repetition sharpens skills and rewards with expertise. Over time, routines evolve into finely tuned systems, giving a sense of progress and accomplishment. But this type of growth is narrow - it deepens familiarity instead of broadening our horizons.

Now imagine stepping out of routine and trying something unfamiliar. Initial uncertainty is always unsettling, even intimidating. But we eventually adapt. We learn to navigate the unknown, shifting our perspective and expanding our world view. Sometimes the experience surprises us, and we decide to incorporate it into our lives. Other times we forget it ever happened. But even that has value.

When we discover something we like, we evolve our routine. We grow not just by adding variety, but by deepening our sense of fulfillment. When we try something and dislike it, we learn what doesn’t work for us. That clarity, knowing what to avoid, shapes our understanding of ourselves.

The beauty of trying new things isn’t always about the experience itself. It’s about the knowledge and insight we’ve gained. Every attempt teaches us something - whether it validates our current path or pushes us toward a better one. Growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about discovery. In that sense, every new experience, whether it succeeds or fails, makes us a little more complete.