Every once in a while, it seems we get caught in a rut. The things we once looked forward to become a norm for us, no longer exciting. In times like these, it can be important to remember that risks are OK. Here are a few reasons why.

1.It can be exciting.

Remember when you were younger and you got dared to jump in the in the lake when it was cold? Well, risk taking is just as exciting now as it was then.

2.It can offer you a new perspective.

If you are taking a small risk (like trying a new food), it can offer you a new insight on the lives of another person or culture. On the other hand, if you are taking a big risk (like skydiving or testing the waters on investing your money), it can make you see the beauty of your normal, quieter lifestyle.

3.It could pull you out of a routine.

Once again, this comes down to the level of risk you are taking. But even if you are only taking a new route to work or trying out something you wouldn’t normally wear or eat, at least “same-old, same-old” becomes “so-new, so-new.”

4.You might find something you like.

For instance, this risk taking might inspire you to get a tattoo. And maybe you will realize you have always wanted one but never had the guts to go through with it. (Or that getting a tattoo is definitely NOT for you—either way, you’ll figure out what’s for you and what’s not.)

5.It might open your eyes to a new passion.

As humans, we are always making new discoveries. Some come to us in our lines of work, others are revealed during the daily workings of our lives. Taking a risk and trying something out you’ve never done before could create a passion for something new—I know I never thought I would love cooking, but what can I say, I love food so…

6.You will learn something about yourself.

This could be something on the small scale of where you stand regarding a subject or activity, or it could be something life-changing, like the career you were meant to pursue or what you should really be doing in your spare time. Either way, you will undoubtedly learn something of yourself by doing something for yourself.

Take a risk. You might be surprised by what you learn.