When I was in my 30s, I participated in my very first Danskin Triathlon. Sally Edwards, the spokesperson and a professional athlete, volunteered to finish last so no other woman would have to. What I remember most from Sally Edwards was her slogan;
“When Was The Last Time You Tried Something For the First Time?”
For many years, I embraced this saying and tried something new every year. But over the past several years that slogan was forgotten. As we were cleaning out our house, during our downsizing into a townhome, I found a newspaper clipping with a picture of myself and a friend on the front-page training for the Danskin Triathlon. When was the “Last Time I Tried Something for the First Time?” I decided to take this to heart as I begin 2025 and here is how I am going to figure out my “something new.”
Embrace the Courage to Begin Something New
Trying something new at any age can be scary but at 60, you have an advantage of life experience. You have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and learned to be resilient. Now those attributes can give you the courage to embrace something new. Trying something new doesn’t require perfection; it simply requires starting.
Why 60 is the Perfect Age be Adventurous
- Freedom from Expectations. Many responsibilities that might have held you back in earlier decades like raising children and building a career hopefully has eased. Now you have the time and space to focus on personal growth and passions.
- The Gift of Perspective. At 60, you’ve learned that failure is a learning experience or steppingstone to other opportunities. This makes it easier to take risks and see challenges as additional ways to grow.
- Other Benefits. Trying something new keeps your brain sharp and your body active. It’s a great way to meet new people and explore passions you have been waiting to try your entire life.
Ideas for Something New
There are so many things you can try. But here are a few to get your mental juices flowing:
- Pursue a Passion – Have you always wanted to paint, dance or write a book? Use this year to nurture those creative dreams and sign up for a class in January.
- Learn a Skill – How about taking a cooking class or learning a new language? Online classes can bring new skills into your life that you can use forever.
- Volunteer or Giveback – Sharing your time and wisdom by volunteering can bring great fulfillment. Do you love animals, volunteer at the local animal shelter. Do you like to build things, consider working with Habitat for Humanity. So many things you can do. Try Volunteer Match for other ideas click here: www.volunteermatch.org.
- How about Travel – Have you taken the time to decide where you want to go in your life or developed your “bucket list”? Start picking spots to travel to. Every year we try to go to a different place. This year we will adventure to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily.
- Or Adventure – Have you always wanted to hike Mount Rainier? Or do a Triathlon? Adventures take planning and preparation. But it could be a wonderful way to try something outside your comfort zone.
- Start a New Career or Business – At 50, I made a huge shift from being in the banking industry to become a Chief School Business Official. I wanted to make a difference in kids’ lives. While it wasn’t perfect, it was a good way to grow. At 60 I decided to start this Blog and see where it takes me. One thing I have learned is it is never too late to start something new and you have potential beyond your imagination. Go for it!
Famous “Something New” People
Forget about your age, many people have tried new things and succeeded after 60. Here are just a few:
Colonel Harland Sanders – founded KFC at age 62, after years of trying to franchise his fried chicken recipe.
Ray Kroc – Expanded McDonalds into a global franchise empire at 59, with his major successes coming after 60.
Arianna Huffington – Co-founded Thrive Global, a wellness startup at age 66 after leaving The Huffington Post.
Laura Ingalls Wilder – Published her first Little House on the Prairie book at 65.
Nola Ochs – Became the world’s oldest college graduate at 95 and continued her education into her 100s.
Ed Whitlock – Broke marathon records for runners over 70 and 80, starting his running career in earnest after 60.
Final Thoughts
You have a great foundation of knowledge and experience. Why not use it to try something extraordinary? Trying something new isn’t just about an activity; it’s about reigniting your passion for life and showing yourself that the best days can still lie ahead.
So, “When Was the Last Time YOU Tried Something for The First Time?”
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