ISSUE 1: CREATE WILLINGNESS – EMBRACING THE POWER OF TRYING NEW THINGS

Create Willingness

“Embracing the power of trying new things”

By Tess Bouska Undergrad Psychology Intern

Have you ever hesitated to step outside your comfort zone? Whether it’s trying a new hobby, exploring a different career path, or embracing an unfamiliar idea, the willingness to take that first step can be challenging. However, cultivating this mindset is essential for growth and innovation. By understanding the psychological and behavioral drivers behind willingness, we can learn how to foster an openness to new experiences!

What Drives the Willingness to Try?

At its core, willingness is shaped by both internal and external factors. Research by Eubanks, Palanski, Swart, and Hammond (2016) highlights the role of creativity in early and established careers, emphasizing how individuals who cultivate openness and resilience tendto adapt more easily to new challenges. The ability to take risks and embrace change is not solely about talent but about mindset and environment. This can be done in everyday life by trying a new food or going on a new walking trailin your neighborhood. Getting out of your comfort zone is what matters. Similarly, Delaney, Jacobson, and Moenig (2020) explore preference discovery, demonstrating how people often do not know their true preferences until they engage in new experiences. This finding suggests that willingness is not just about decision-making but also about exploration and discovering what we truly enjoy by stepping into the unknown.

Developing a mindset of openness has numerous benefits. It encourages adaptability, fosters resilience, and enhances problem-solving abilities. For instance, Nobel Prize winners often display a pattern of continuous curiosity and risk-taking throughout their careers(Eubanks et al., 2016). Their willingness to engage with unfamiliar concepts and approaches allows them to make groundbreaking discoveries. Beyond professional success, embracing new experiences can also improve well-being. Stepping outside familiar patterns can increase self-confidence and satisfaction, providing a sense of achievement and personal growth.

How to Cultivate Willingness in Daily Life

If you struggle with trying new things, consider these practical strategies:

•   Start Small: Begin with minor changes, such as taking a different route to work or trying a new type of cuisine. Small steps can build confidence over time.

•     Reframe Fear as Curiosity: Instead of fearing failure, approach new experiences with a sense of curiosity. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?”

•     Surround Yourself with Encouragement: Engage with people who support your growth and inspire you to take risks.

•     Reflect on Past Successes: Remind yourself of times when trying something new led to positive outcomes. This can help reinforce a proactive mindset.

•     Accept Uncertainty: Recognize that discomfort is a natural part of growth. The more you embrace uncertainty, the easier it becomes to navigate unfamiliar situations.

Creating the willingness to try new things is a skill that can be developed with practice. By understanding that experiencing the unknown can be a good thing, we can become more open to opportunities that lead to personal and professional growth. So, take that first step, you might be surprised at what you discover!

References

Delaney, J., Jacobson, S., &Moenig, T. (2020). Preference discovery. ExperimentalEconomics, 23(3), 694–715. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10683-019-09628-9

Eubanks, D. L., Palanski, M. E.,Swart, J., Hammond, M. M., & Oguntebi, J. (2016). Creativity in early andestablished career: Insights into multi‐level drivers from Nobel Prize winners.The Journal of Creative Behavior, 50(4), 229–251. https://doi.org/10.1002/jocb.70

Inside the Studio: A Closer Look at Our Classes

Women’s Support Group
Tuesdays at 2:00 PM

Join us for the Women’s Support Group, a welcoming space for women to come together, share experiences, and find encouragement. This group is designed to foster personal growth and healing through connection with others who are navigating similar challenges.

The purpose of the Women’s Support Group is to provide a supportive environment for reflection and self-discovery. Research shows that group therapy for women is especially effective in offering emotional support and validation, allowing participants to gain strength from one another and learn from shared experiences.

This group offers numerous benefits, including:

• Supportive Relationships: Build connections with other women who understand your journey.
  
• A New Perspective: Gain insights from others’ experiences, helping you see your own challenges in a new light.
  
• Relapse Prevention Skills: Learn strategies to maintain progress and overcome obstacles.

Whether you’re seeking a sense of community, guidance, or simply a safe space to express yourself, the Women’s Support Group provides the tools and support needed to help you thrive.

For more information or to reserve your spot, call 936-305-3070.

Yoga Flow
Mondays at 5:30 PM | Thursdays at 5:30 PM & 6:20 PM
Led by: Sydnee Allen

Join us for Yoga Flow, a rejuvenating class designed for practitioners of all levels who seek to move their bodies with grace and ease. Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, this 45-minute session will guide you through a smooth and balanced flow, focusing on gentle movements that foster flexibility, strength, and relaxation.

Sydnee will lead you through a sequence of postures designed to promote overall wellness, with modifications available for all levels. Props such as blocks and straps will be used to enhance your practice and ensure accessibility, regardless of your flexibility or experience level.

This class offers a perfect blend of physical movement and mindfulness, helping you connect with your body, ease stress, and cultivate balance in both body and mind.

Songwriting Class: Saved By A Song
Mondays, March 17, 24, & 31 at 7:00 PM | 3 Classes | $25

Join songwriter Tim Bryant for a deep dive into the art and craft of songwriting. With over 30 years of experience performing from New Orleans to Austin, Tim will guide you through the mechanics and philosophies behind writing a great song.

Using Mary Gauthier’s Saved By A Song as a foundation—alongside insights from Jeff Tweedy’s How to Write One Song and Bob Dylan’s The Philosophy of Modern Song—Tim will offer his own perspective on storytelling, structure, and creativity in songwriting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced songwriter, this class will provide inspiration and practical techniques to refine your craft.

Reserve your spot and start writing your song!

Join Us For Our Quarterly Book Club!

March 29th at 10 AM
Join us for a quarterly book club led by Emily Taravella, where we dive deeper into meaningful discussions about novels. In our upcoming session, we’ll explore The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, with refreshments and handouts provided for all attendees. Call Today for more details 936.305.3070.

Congrats to Kasey Beavers and April Grady!

A huge congratulations to Kasey Beavers and April Grady for completing the Las Vegas Half Marathon! This was Kasey’s first-ever half marathon, and both of them put in incredible effort to cross that finish line. We’re so proud of their dedication and achievement—way to go, Kasey and April!