Why You Should Try Something New: How Joining a Drumline Changed My Brain and My Mindset
A couple of weeks ago, I tried something brand new: I joined a women’s drumline.
I know! Pretty cool, right?
I first saw these badass women perform at my local Pride event earlier this summer. I was instantly drawn to the heavy beats, the driving rhythm, and the sheer joy radiating from their performance. I knew right then—I wanted to be a part of that.
BUT... I had never drummed a day in my life.
Yes, I played flute and piccolo in high school and college. Yes, I was in my high school marching band—I was even the drum major my senior year! But that was 36 years ago. These days, I bike instead of march, and I’m usually listening to music, not creating it.
Even though I was terrified I wouldn't be good enough, I took a leap, reached out to them on Instagram, and nervously walked into my very first rehearsal. Armed with my suggested knee pads and earplugs, I was handed a set of mallets and a drum. From the very first strike, I was hooked!
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
A couple of weeks later, I decided to keep the momentum going at a local women’s sports event—an environment designed specifically to encourage us to step out of our comfort zones. I tried pickleball and gave track riding a shot.
The verdict? I discovered a new love for pickleball, while track riding was exciting, but ultimately not my cup of tea!
Trying something new is one of the scariest things we can do as adults. Whether it’s stepping into a gym for the first time, signing up for a race, or walking into a room full of strangers, it feels like taking a massive risk. We immediately bombard ourselves with questions:
Will people like me?
What if I’m no good at this?
What if I fail or make a fool of myself?
Yet, as terrifying as it is, new is where growth lives. New is where possibility lives.
Taking those uncomfortable first steps isn't just about learning a new skill—it’s vital for our mental wellbeing.
The Science of Adult Neuroplasticity: How Trying New Things Brain-Boosts
Why is trying something new so important, especially as we get older?
For a long time, it was believed that the adult brain was fixed. Essentially, the assumption was that whatever hardware we had by adulthood was all we got—we could lose function, but we couldn't gain it. Now, science tells us something completely different: our brains can continue to grow, adapt, and rewire throughout our entire lives.
The scientific term for this is neuroplasticity. When we experience something novel, our brains physically form new neural connections.
Physical Skill Building: Trying an activity that involves distinct motor movements—like drumming, pickleball, swimming, or dancing—spurs growth in the parts of our brain that support motor control. Repeating those movements allows those pathways to grow stronger over time.
Cognitive Skill Building: Tackling novel cognitive tasks—like learning a new language, reading sheet music, baking, or solving crosswords—supports our memory and strengthens our problem-solving abilities.
Embracing a Growth Mindset and In-Person Connection
And, as the classic infomercials say: "But wait, there’s more!"
Trying new things does wonders for our mental health by forcing us to embrace a true growth mindset.
A growth mindset is the direct opposite of a fixed mindset. In short, it allows us to see possibilities even when we struggle. My growth mindset allowed me to realize that my messy, uncoordinated drumming on day one wasn't the end result—it was just the starting line. With practice and support, I could build the skill to play well. Growth breeds growth, and possibility exists right in the middle of the struggle.
Finally, trying something new opens up a world of new people and genuine connections. In a world that can often feel increasingly isolating, we have to be far more intentional about creating real-life connections (or IRL, as the younger generations say!).
Online connections certainly serve a purpose, allowing us to interact with people across the globe. But in-person connections carry a completely different energy. They allow us to truly see and be seen, feeling the authentic vibe of the room in a way a screen just can't replicate.
Ready to Take the Leap?
So here is your friendly reminder: you don't have to be an expert to try something new. You just have to be brave enough to take that uncomfortable first step—even if your knees are shaking and you’re wearing earplugs.
What about you? What is one thing you’ve been dying to try, but fear or self-doubt has been holding you back? Drop it in the comments below—and let’s commit to stepping into the new together!
