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Why we NEED new experiences!

I am all for changes; in fact, I recently signed up for dancing classes. I have decided it is time to change and learn how to move to the beat. The first class was brutal, I was frustrated, the teacher was frustrated, but I will be back next week. WE MOVE!

According to Mintel’s 2022 Global Consumer Trends report, ‘Enjoyment Everywhere’ is one of the global consumer trends we expect to see in 2022. This trend is a result of lockdowns (in Lagos we only had 28 days, but think about places like Melbourne that had 262 days!), travel restrictions, and general fear of exposure to COVID-19.

In 2022, although we still have the virus, people are eager more than ever to break free; they are looking to explore and embrace new experiences. Although this exploration can be done virtually there is a preference for in-person exploration — show me one person that is not tired of Zoom calls and Youtube videos!

Research has shown that exploring and embracing new experiences changes your entire life; it makes you happier, gives you fulfillment, helps you build relationships, and aids in career advancement.

Let’s dive into the research a bit more and see how embracing new experiences changes you

1. For starters, it gives you the tools you need to handle life itself. Opening yourself up to expected change, give you the skills that allow you to deal with unexpected changes that life throws your way
2. It enables you to learn something new which is essential to prevent cognitive decline as we age
3. As you embrace new experiences you get a clear understanding of what your comfort zone is, you are able to test your limits as well as push those limits. It is interesting to see the things we are capable of that we were not even aware of
4. And finally, embracing new experiences actually slows time down. This is because we are actually paying attention to what we are experiencing because it is new to us

So this 2022, I challenge you to embrace new experiences!

I am the director of research at Versa Research, a data, research & consulting company!

References

https://www.mintel.com/global-consumer-trends?utm_term=%2Bmintel%20%2Btrends&utm_campaign=SCH_(CP-LeadGen)_(G-NAM)_%7BBrand%7D_(D-All)_B_&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=9603040692&hsa_cam=1712628846&hsa_grp=63707393501&hsa_ad=417387467160&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-887027727320:kwd-569283586203&hsa_kw=%2Bmintel%20%2Btrends&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOhUg4z9iDUNZ3_UUmo7z7eO32eOt8cSq1CtB9pmkIZx5efeSWLLiWxoChGQQAvD_BwE

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200930-why-embracing-change-is-the-key-to-a-good-life

https://www.arcido.com/blogs/news/the-life-changing-value-of-embracing-new-experiences