The Experiments of Life

This article was originally published in October 2017.

The older I get, the more I realize that life is quite simply a series of experiments.

Each of us are constantly figuring out what works and what doesn’t work in the things we do every day.

Whether it’s hobbies, relationships, work, or friends, everything is a learning experience. We start with an idea, test it, then go with it or abandon it.

I went into college thinking I wanted to be a computer science major, but when I took programming classes, I realized it wasn’t for me. It was an experiment that proved that computer science just wasn’t my thing. Now I’m in the business school and doing work that I find so much more interesting.

The same thing also happened to me with swimming. I got recruited to swim for my college, but after my freshman year, I decided to leave the team. It was an experiment that proved I would be happier doing something else. Now I have more time to work on exciting projects, read, and write.

It’s this experimentation that helps us grow. With each experiment, you get a better understanding of what works for you individually.

And despite what some people may tell you, there isn’t always a right and wrong answer. It’s different for everyone.

A lot of people told me that it is a must to play a sport in college, but even though I had a lot of fun, it just wasn’t for me.

What might work for one person may not work for another. It’s just about getting a better understanding of yourself.

The only way to figure out what is best for you is to experiment for yourself. People can give you advice on what they have learned, but you really don’t know until you personally try it.

Experiencing something firsthand teaches you a lot more than what someone else tells you.

You’re going to mess up, and that’s okay. You’re going to lose interest in certain things, you’re going to have failed relationships, and you may want to change directions.

Of course, it’s not ideal that I had to change majors and quit the team, but that’s okay because I’m now doing things that are making me happier. It’s valuable to know that those pursuits weren’t for me.

The most important thing is that the losses you experience can help you succeed the next time. Failure is one of the best teachers.

It’s like when you’re little and you touch something hot for the first time and burn your hand. You didn’t know that it would burn your hand, but now you have the knowledge not to do it again. It’s the same thing with life.

There are going to be things that you want to continue to do and things you want to stop. But the most important part is you have to try.

Overall, have an open mind to whatever life gives you. Never stop trying new things, meeting different people, and doing different jobs.

Experiment, change, make mistakes, and grow as a person. Approach every situation as an experiment and a chance to learn more about yourself.