Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Power of 'Trying' in Everyday Life

Re-Framing the Challenge: It's About the Journey, Not Just the Destination

We often avoid trying new things due to fear of embarrassment, discomfort, or failure. Garth Bender recounts a personal anecdote about his difficulty reaching out to others in grief, realizing he was letting his discomfort prevent him from offering support. Similarly, many of us hesitate to act on our values because we don't know where to start or fear our efforts won't be enough.

Core Insights: Mindfulness and Personal Practices

Garth underscores that 'trying' isn't about achieving a specific outcome; it's a personal practice rooted in mindfulness. He shares examples of his own practices, such as the 'practice of being a loving father,' which involves a nightly ritual of checking on his sleeping children. These practices, whether based in faith, life lessons, or aspirations, serve as anchors, bringing us back to our core values.

Actionable Steps: Embrace the Spark

How can we integrate the practice of trying into our daily lives? Garth offers several practical suggestions:

• Start Small: Try something new each day, whether it's making a paper airplane, striking up a conversation with a stranger, or exploring a new route in your neighborhood.
• Embrace Discomfort: Step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself to try activities you've always been curious about, like playing drums or scuba diving.
• Find Value in the Process: Shift your focus from the outcome to the experience itself. Recognize that the true value lies in the growth, insights, and connections you gain along the way.

Encouragement: Redefining Failure

Garth's story of running a 100-mile race and stopping at mile 77 is a powerful reminder that 'failure' can be a catalyst for self-discovery. In that moment of exhaustion and apparent defeat, he found clarity and a deeper understanding of his own journey. It wasn't about completing the race; it was about finding himself.

Concluding Empowerment: Try, and Grow

Garth encourages us to embrace the practice of trying as a means of personal growth, connection, and understanding. By shifting our focus from outcomes to the process itself, we can unlock new perspectives, deepen our empathy, and create a more meaningful impact on the world around us. So, go out there, try something new, and discover the transformative power within you.