Traffic Jams And Life Lessons!

These past few weeks, traffic has been crazy in the north of Johannesburg. The kids’ schools are within a two kilometer radius from home, and my office is about 6km away. On a normal day with normal traffic, I can get the school run done and be in the office within thirty to forty minutes. But nothing has been normal, not these past weeks. Winnie Mandela Drive has been more like a parking lot. I only ever use GPS on unfamiliar  routes, but on Tuesday, in desperation,  I turned on both  Waze and Google Maps. Waze suggested an  alternative route that seemed to be taking me away from my intended destination, but it was promising to get me to work in a reasonable time. Google still wanted me to sit in the traffic like i had no meetings to get to! I have lived in my neighborhood for five years, yet the road Waze suggested felt like a hidden treasure, new, unfamiliar,  surprisingly smooth, and completely clear with very little traffic. It got me thinking how often we stick to the same paths in life simply because they are familiar, because we are listening to the wrong voices or are simply scared to try something new and different.

And that is my topic for today. Trying something new, whether a different road or a new skill, can make all the difference in your personal and professional growth. Here are a few reminders why you should consider trying something new. I call these reminders because if you have been here for a while, these are things we talk about often.

1. Try something new because growth happens outside your comfort zone
Routine is safe, predictable, and, well, sometimes boring. A friend warned me about using Waze because she said it can sometimes lead you through unsafe areas. I generally prioritise my safety, but I also weigh all my options and consider what is at stake.  Professionally, this might mean taking on a project outside your expertise or putting your hand up for a  role you do not tick all the boxes. In your personal life, it could be just switching up your morning routine or trying a new hobby. Sometimes, growth comes from stepping into the unknown.

2. Try something new because it helps you challenge limiting beliefs
For five years, I assumed I knew all the best ways to get to work. Clearly, I was wrong. How often do we assume there are only certain ways to get to a specific goal, or that you need to be a certain way to succeed? That you can only succeed in your current field because that is what you studied?  That people like you are not “the type” to be considered for certain opportunities? By challenging these mental limitations, you give ourselves permission to explore new possibilities. Maybe you can excel in a different industry. Maybe you can lead a team. But you won’t know unless you try.

3. Try something new because you discover hidden opportunities
If I had not folowed Waze’s suggested route, I wouldn’t have discovered a much faster way to work. The same applies in life. Often, the best opportunities aren’t on the road most traveled. Maybe that side project could turn into a full-time business, or that networking event you almost skipped might introduce you to a career-changing connection. The more you explore, the more doors you open.

4. Try something new and build confidence and courage
Every time you try something new, whether big or small, you build confidence. It’s proof that you can navigate the unfamiliar and come out stronger. If you’ve ever learned a new skill or even spoken up in a high-stakes meeting, you know that the first time is the hardest. But each time you do it, your confidence increases and so does your courage muscle. The more you do it, the better you get.

5. Try something new to keep life interesting
Let’s be honest, routines can make life feel like a song on repeat. After a while even your favorite song won’t be fun anymore. When you shake things up, you bring back some excitement. If work feels monotonous, perhaps it’s time to learn a new skill, seek mentorship, or even explore a side hustle. If life feels dull, try something, anything, outside your norm. Even the smallest changes can reignite your sense of adventure.

A forced and unexpected route to work reminded me that sometimes, the best routes aren’t the ones we already know. In your career, personal life, or even your morning commute, trying something new can open up possibilities you never imagined. So, what’s one new thing will you try next week? Change your morning routine, pick up a new skill, or say yes to an opportunity that scares you a little. Who knows? It might lead you somewhere amazing.

Song of the week What i am listening to. This week, I have been listening to this song.

Gratitude: This week, I am grateful for the courage to try new things, try new routes, try  new routines, to be uncomfortable and the willingness to surrender the need for control.

Gratefully