13 Quotes to Inspire You to Try New Things in the New Year
As a new year begins, it offers the perfect opportunity to break out of your comfort zone, embrace fresh experiences, and try new things. Whether it’s taking up a new hobby, pursuing a career change, or simply adopting a more adventurous mindset, stepping into the unknown can bring growth, excitement, and personal transformation. However, trying new things can be daunting, especially when fear of failure or the unknown holds us back. Here are 13 powerful quotes to inspire you to take those first steps into the new and embrace all the possibilities this year has to offer.
1. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch
This quote reminds us that growth doesn’t happen when we stay where we’re comfortable. It’s when we push beyond the familiar that we begin to discover new possibilities and capabilities within ourselves. If you want to experience something new this year, you have to be willing to step into discomfort. Whether it’s learning a new skill or taking a risk, life expands when we leave our comfort zones.
2. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
Gretzky’s iconic quote is a reminder that opportunity often comes through action. By not trying, we guarantee failure, but by taking a chance, even if we don’t succeed, we grow and learn. This year, let go of the fear of making mistakes and start taking more “shots” toward your goals, knowing that every effort brings you closer to success.
3. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice encourages us to make a habit of stepping into fear. Trying new things can feel intimidating, but it’s also how we build courage and resilience. When we regularly face our fears, they lose their power over us, and we become more open to change and new experiences. By pushing yourself a little bit each day, you can transform fear into confidence and excitement for the unknown.
4. “The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” – Mark Zuckerberg
In a fast-paced and ever-changing world, staying still can be the greatest risk of all. Mark Zuckerberg’s quote challenges us to embrace uncertainty and take bold steps. The new year presents a chance to experiment, innovate, and evolve. Whether it’s in your personal life or career, taking calculated risks can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
5. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue something new. Regardless of age or stage in life, every year offers a fresh opportunity to set goals and dream bigger. Whether you want to pick up a new hobby, learn a new language, or switch careers, don’t let the fear of starting over hold you back. The new year is the perfect time to begin a new chapter.
6. “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything.” – John Wooden
Mistakes are a natural part of growth, and John Wooden’s quote reassures us that errors and failures are signs of progress. If you’re trying new things and pushing yourself, mistakes will happen—and that’s okay. Each misstep is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and get better. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as part of your journey toward self-improvement.
7. “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.
This quote encourages us to reflect on how we want to look back on our lives. Will you regret the risks you took and the new things you tried, or will you regret the chances you didn’t take? The new year is an invitation to seize the moment and take action toward your dreams, so you can live without regrets in the future.
8. “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy’s quote reminds us that the greatest achievements often come with the possibility of failure. Big goals and new experiences naturally carry some risk, but they also bring the potential for extraordinary rewards. If you want to achieve great things this year, you need to be willing to risk failure. With every setback comes the chance to grow stronger and more determined.
9. “A year from now you may wish you had started today.” – Karen Lamb
This quote offers a gentle but powerful reminder that time will pass regardless of whether or not we act. A year from now, will you wish you had taken that first step toward trying something new? The best time to start is now. By taking action today, you’re setting yourself up for growth, progress, and new opportunities that will shape the year ahead.
10. “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke
Arthur C. Clarke’s quote challenges us to push past what we believe is possible. Often, we set limits for ourselves based on fear, self-doubt, or past experiences. But when we dare to try new things and step into the unknown, we realize that our potential is far greater than we imagined. This new year, challenge your limits and see just how far you can go.
11. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Churchill’s quote reminds us that both success and failure are temporary—what matters most is persistence. As you try new things this year, you may encounter setbacks or challenges, but what’s important is that you keep going. Success is built on the foundation of resilience, determination, and the courage to keep moving forward, no matter the outcome.
12. “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Sometimes, we get stuck waiting for the perfect plan or a clear path before we take action. But as Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us, you don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. Taking that first step is often the hardest part, but it’s also the most crucial. The journey will unfold as you go, and the new year is an ideal time to begin, even if the destination isn’t fully clear.
13. “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller
Rockefeller’s quote inspires us to aim higher, even if it means leaving behind something comfortable or familiar. Sometimes, we settle for what’s good because we’re afraid to take the leap toward something unknown. But greatness often requires taking risks and letting go of what no longer serves us. This year, challenge yourself to strive for greatness by trying new things, even if it means stepping away from the safe and familiar.
Embracing New Experiences in the New Year
As the new year begins, these quotes serve as powerful reminders to embrace change, take risks, and open yourself up to new possibilities. Trying new things can be intimidating, but it’s also the key to personal growth, creativity, and success. Whether you’re looking to pursue a long-held dream, learn a new skill, or simply step outside your comfort zone, these quotes offer the motivation to take action.
Remember that the journey toward something new is often filled with challenges, but it’s through those challenges that we grow. The new year provides a fresh start and the perfect opportunity to leave behind fear, self-doubt, and hesitation. By adopting a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and boldness, you can make this year one of transformation and discovery.
So, as you reflect on your goals for the year ahead, keep these quotes in mind. Let them guide you as you take those first steps into the unknown, knowing that trying new things will lead to personal growth, greater fulfillment, and endless possibilities. Embrace the new year with an open heart and a fearless spirit—because your best experiences are yet to come.13 Quotes to Inspire You to Try New Things in the New Year
