Why You Should Try Something New
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Have you ever thought about doing something completely out of character—something that made even your closest friends raise their eyebrows and say, “You?” For me, that moment came last Friday when I decided, randomly, that I wanted a pair of cowboy boots.
Now, I’m from West Texas, so you’d think I was born wearing boots, riding horses, and chewing straw. But truth be told—I’ve never owned a pair. Never worn one. I don’t even think I’ve touched a pair. But something in me said, “Why not?”
So I threw the idea out on social media: “Hey boot experts—what brand do y’all recommend?” The overwhelming response? Lucchese. I didn’t even know how to pronounce it at first. I was saying it like it was a mob boss’s last name. But curiosity outweighed ego, so I went to their showroom.
And that’s where this story really begins.
The Power of Doing What You Don’t Normally Do
Walking into that store, I was nervous. Not because of the people, but because I didn’t know anything about boots. I expected thick accents and thicker judgment. But the staff? Super kind. Patient. Informative. They didn’t just sell me a pair of boots—they educated me on them.
But this blog isn’t about boots.
It’s about what happens when you allow yourself to follow through on an “out there” idea.
When was the last time you let yourself explore a new direction? I’m not talking about following a trend. I’m talking about genuinely giving yourself the freedom to break your own mold. To try something radically different from your norm. Most people never do. They either talk themselves out of it or let people close to them talk them out of it.
And the thing is—those people aren’t trying to be malicious. They’re just reacting to who they think you are based on your patterns. But you’re allowed to outgrow your patterns.
Ask the Experts
I asked for help. That’s something we’re not great at doing, especially when we pride ourselves on being the “go-to” for others. But here’s the truth—there are people out there who love the things we know nothing about. Passionate people. Generous people. People who want to help.
By simply asking the question, “What should I look for in a boot?” I was flooded with knowledge and suggestions. I didn’t get a complete blueprint, but I didn’t need one. I just needed a starting point—and that’s all most of us ever need to move in a new direction.
Keep an Open Mind
When I walked into Lucchese, all I knew was “black boots.” That was it. But I listened. I asked questions. I stayed open. I learned about ostrich vs. caiman leather, toe styles, heel types—the works.
When you’re doing something new, resist the urge to use old thinking. You’re in a new lane now—act like it. Let the experts be experts. Let the process be the teacher. And don’t go in with all the answers. Go in with questions.
What I thought I wanted and what made the most sense were two very different things. But that’s the beauty of openness—you allow room for better.
You Still Make the Final Call
Here’s the kicker: after all the advice, all the learning, and all the feedback from friends, I had to make the final call. That’s how life works. Everyone can weigh in, but you’re the one who has to walk in the boots—literally and metaphorically.
So if you’re standing at the edge of a “maybe,” give yourself permission to try. Don’t overthink the learning curve. Ask for help. Keep your mind open. Trust your gut. And walk away with something that feels right to you.
Even if it’s boots.