The Design Dog Blog
This is my third year of doing one new thing every month, and I’m loving it. A friend recently asked me for a list of what I’ve done, and as I looked back, I was kind of impressed.
One New Thing at a Time
Fencing, tarot card reading, virtual reality, a ghost walking tour, tree climbing (favorite!), making a stained glass hummingbird, biking Waterton Canyon, hula dancing, Nutcracker ballet, blacklight mini golf, holding Goldie the tarantula at the Butterfly Pavilion, a smash room (also a fave), hiking new trails, country line dancing, qigong, and touring the Molly Brown House and the Colorado Capitol.
Whew!
What I didn’t expect when I started doing this was how much it would change the way I see things. And honestly, it shows up in my design work too.
1. More fun and more happiness
Isn’t that the goal?
It’s so easy to fall into a routine. I definitely do. But when you intentionally try something new, it shakes things up.
Life feels a little more interesting. You create memories. You have stories to tell.
And I’ve noticed something else. When life feels fresh, my ideas do too.
2. Stronger connections with friends
Everything is better with friends. I love inviting people to join me. It builds connection, and it’s just more fun to share the experience.
It’s also great networking, but not in a forced way. You actually get to know people. Sometimes you introduce friends who haven’t met before. Everyone wins.
And this carries over into my work. Good design starts with understanding people. What matters to them. What they’re trying to say. That only comes from real connection.
(If you want me to invite you on group outings, let me know!)
3. Being brave
When I went to the Butterfly Pavilion, I didn’t hesitate to hold Goldie the tarantula. It was new, so I just went for it. And she was so soft!
That’s when it clicked. Trying new things makes you braver. The more you step outside your comfort zone, the less scary it feels. You start to trust yourself more.
Creativity works the same way. Sometimes you have to try something different, put it out there, and see what happens.
4. Learning opens your mind
When I told my sister I was going to a smash room, she asked why I would want to do that. I told her to keep an open mind.
Don’t knock it until you try it.
Trying new things introduces you to new ideas, new people, new ways of thinking. And I love that there’s no pressure. I can try something once, and if I like it, great. If not, that’s okay too.
The more you see, the more you understand. And that naturally shows up in creative work.
5. Inspiring others
This one surprised me.
When you try something new, people notice. It gives them a little nudge to try something they’ve been thinking about.
I’ve had people tell me I inspired them to start doing their own “one new thing.” And then they inspire someone else.
That ripple effect is pretty cool.
Bonus: It makes you more interesting
I used to hate the question, “What have you been up to?” I would draw a blank. Now I have answers. Sometimes unexpected ones.
My friend Emily Garcia, who I inspired to do one new thing every month too, said this:
“As women, we don’t always make time for things that bring us joy, just for the sake of joy. Debbie’s One New Thing challenge flips that script. It’s a reminder to choose yourself, challenge yourself, and connect with others.”
I love that.
We all have a lot going on. Work, family, responsibilities. It’s easy to put yourself last. So here’s your permission to try something new.
If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, I’d love to hear what it is.
And if you’re thinking about refreshing your brand or marketing materials, I’m always happy to help with that too.
Want to talk through ideas for your business? Click here to get in touch.