Beginning a new habit, hobby, or practice is often the most daunting step. Questions about necessary equipment, correct technique, and foundational knowledge can create a barrier before you even start. To demystify the process, we've compiled expert advice on how to initiate fifteen common but challenging new pursuits, from fitness and finance to personal development and environmental action.
Building Mind and Body: From Reading to Weightlifting
Developing a reading routine for pleasure offers profound benefits, including increased empathy, reduced stress, and long-term cognitive protection. Experts advise starting by sampling various genres from a library without pressure to finish every book. Begin with shorter volumes and choose the format—physical, ebook, or audiobook—that you enjoy most. Making it social through a book club can also enhance the experience.
For those intrigued by the mysteries of sleep, lucid dreaming—where you become aware you're dreaming within the dream—remains an elusive skill. Dr. Michael Varnum of Arizona State University confirms its reality, but Dr. Martin Dresler of the Donders Institute notes no guaranteed induction method exists. To increase your chances, keep a detailed dream journal, consciously cultivate the intention to recognise you're dreaming while awake, and consider trying techniques like Wake-Back-to-Bed (WBTB) sparingly, no more than two to three times weekly.
Foundations of Fitness and Wellbeing
Physical activity is a common starting point. Running requires minimal gear—just a good pair of shoes, ideally fitted at a specialist store. Experts universally recommend beginning with a run-walk strategy, keeping a conversational pace, and prioritising consistency over distance or speed to avoid injury and burnout.
Similarly, weightlifting is crucial for health, strengthening bones and boosting metabolism. Beginners should first master bodyweight exercises like squats and planks. At the gym, machines can help learn movement patterns safely. Start with light weights; a good benchmark is being able to perform two or three more reps after a set of ten. Dr. Andrew Jagim of the Mayo Clinic Health System recommends 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily to support muscle growth.
For a targeted strength move, proper push-ups are highly effective. Start in a plank, lower your body with elbows at a 45-degree angle until nearly touching the floor, then push up, maintaining a straight line from head to heels.
Personal Care, Connection, and Finance
Establishing a basic skincare routine is simpler than it seems. The core trio is a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser for all skin types, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, applied daily regardless of weather.
If you're considering therapy, start by searching for an accredited psychotherapist or asking for trusted recommendations. Navigate insurance or payment options, and take advantage of initial consultations to find a therapist whose approach fits your needs—it's a relationship worth being selective about.
For those entering the dating scene, experts suggest clarifying your own values first. On apps, create a thoughtful profile with six current photos. Initiate a meeting quickly after some chat—a walking date or coffee is a low-pressure start. Dating multiple people initially can help maintain perspective.
Managing money begins with budgeting. Certified financial planner Robin Snell advises tracking every penny spent for 30 to 90 days to understand your financial flow. Prioritise paying off high-interest debt (over 7%), then set specific goals, aiming to save 10-20% of your income.
Practical Skills and Global Impact
Cooking at home is healthier and cheaper. Arm yourself with basic tools: a chef's knife, cutting board, and a non-stick pan. Stock quality staples like kosher salt, oils, and vinegar. Online knife skills classes and foundational recipes (like lentil soup) are excellent, free learning resources.
Even simple interactions matter. Starting a conversation with a stranger can boost happiness. Ask questions, embrace small talk to find common ground (avoiding politics or religion), and be mindful of body language to know when to exit gracefully.
Finally, reducing your carbon footprint is increasingly urgent, with 2024 confirmed as the hottest year on record at 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. Darby Hoover of the NRDC emphasises that everyone has an impact. Start with the three Rs: Reduce first, then Reuse, then Recycle. Incorporate more plant-based meals and cut energy waste by unplugging devices. The most powerful step, however, is using your voice in community discussions and at the ballot box for strong environmental policies.
Whether it's training your dog with the two essential cues of "sit" and "come," meditating for just five minutes a day, or simply giving yourself permission to start small, the universal expert advice is clear: the journey of any new endeavour begins with a single, informed step.
