Getting out of your comfort zone can help to develop you and your perspectives so that they are more well-rounded. [1] X Research source
You can try artistic activities such as painting, dancing, or making music; do a new sport or even just take part in a pick-up game; or engage in hobbies like bird-watching or collecting coins. Be open-minded to trying new activities even if they don’t seem appealing at first. If a friend wants to go and see a science fiction movie, go along even if you think that sci-fi is not your favorite. Seeing something through another person’s eyes can give you a new appreciation of it.
Consider taking part in the politics of different parties to ensure that you expose yourself to as many perspectives and opinions as possible. If people talk about topics with which you’re unfamiliar, avoid the temptation to walk away. Staying can teach you something new that will encourage your development. [3] X Research source
Travel will show you that the world, even if it’s a nearby town, is multi-faceted and can add new sides to you, too. Traveling to foreign countries is the best way to see other perspectives, but domestic travel is also an excellent way to experience this. For example, if you are on the East Coast of the United States, you might be surprised to know that the lifestyle on the West Coast is quite different and could help change your perspective on how you life your life. Make sure to get off the beaten path when you travel. Sticking to popular tourist destinations can reinforce stereotypes or decrease the richness of seeing a new place.
If you live in an urban area, trying new foods and cuisines is easy. You can find restaurants from most cultures simply by exploring the city a bit. If you don’t live in a metropolitan area, consider cooking foods from different cuisines. Cookbooks or websites often have recipes that you can easily make at home. You can even use napkins, special utensils, or other accessories that go with the cuisine you are trying.
In order to meet new people, you should first acknowledge that your truth is not the only or right view. Get together with people from different races, cultures, ages, socio-economic backgrounds, and religions. You can also try to meet people with disabilities. All of these different people will give you insight into how others live and think. You can ask new people who you meet questions about their perspectives and what informs them. The more you talk to other people, the more successful you can become at conversations which in turn can make you more well-rounded.
Consider volunteering at a hospital or soup kitchen. This could lead you to not only more positive feelings, but also stimulate discussions that will help you learn. Even helping friends and family can help you develop into a more well-rounded person. For example, do you know someone who has a sick family member or a child with special needs? If so, then you might consider offering to help by babysitting or running an errand for the family.
You can use a variety of sources to educate yourself. Taking classes, reading books or a large out of town newspaper like the NY Times, watching documentaries, or even just talking to another person can provide you with new information that will help you develop yourself.
You can attend classes, lectures, seminars, or other continuing education programs in person, or you can take them online. Many universities now post classes or lectures online for the general public, you can also use an online learning site like Udemy. [8] X Research source Training and the type of development that comes from practical experience can also be very valuable to developing your knowledge and skills.
Consult different kinds of media such as newspapers, magazines, websites, and books. Documentaries are an excellent way to expose yourself to new information. [9] X Research source Even reading for 20 minutes a day can make a difference in your knowledge base. [10] X Research source Make sure that the sources you read come from a variety of perspectives. For example, if you read something from a liberal politician or news source, then consult something from a conservative politician or news source to see both perspectives of an issue or argument. [11] X Research source
Any museum or cultural center has something to offer you, though you may want to consider visiting one that allow you to explore your interests and curiosities more fully. If you can’t get to a museum that interests you, consider seeing if it has a website. Most museums now have sites that allow you at least a preview of their collections. Stay informed about new exhibits at local museums as well so that you don’t miss something that might interest you.
See the big picture and focus on developing well-rounded views as you incorporate new information and experiences. Understand that you don’t have to completely believe every person’s views. You can pick and choose what you like of their perspectives based on what you’ve learned in your research.
Try to stick to a routine with work and home life. If you can, arrive at work and leave at the same time every day. Make sure to account for overtime work with some extra time to yourself for a long lunch or a walk. [14] X Research source
Your job will feel like chore if you don’t love it. This will make you more likely to be sloppy in your assignments and not take any initiative that would help you succeed.
Take a calculated risk, not one that may derail your professional or personal life.
Taking a short walk twice a day will refresh your body and mind and can help you avoid burnout. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source For example, a 3-mile run will give you time to work out personal or professional problems if you need to while providing your body with needed exercise to maintain your health. In a world where you are easily contacted by cell phones, email, and social media, having unplugged alone time is vital to maintaining your health by minimizing how much input you need to process on a daily basis. [19] X Research source For example, you can turn off all electronics at 10pm so that you have an hour or two all to yourself or with your family.
Take breaks during the day. They give your brain and body a chance to relax and refresh. Schedule annual vacations to further help you refresh. While a ten-minute walk or a run will help you decompress throughout a workday, an annual vacation where you completely unplug from your job will refresh your body and mind. If you don’t get paid vacations, then take weekend trips instead.
