“Why Would I Do That?” How Trying New Things Opens Unexpected Doors

Sound familiar? 

As parents, carers and those working with young people, we hear these kinds of comments all the time. Often, they are not a sign of lacking ambition or motivation. They are a normal response to stepping outside what feels familiar. 

After all, trying something new requires something from us. Walking into a room where we do not know anyone, joining an activity where others seem more experienced, or putting ourselves forward for an opportunity without knowing where it might lead can feel uncomfortable. 

But some of the most valuable experiences start with a simple decision to give something a go. 

I have seen this with my own 14-year-old daughter. She started getting involved in music opportunities through school clubs, even though we are not a particularly musical family and had no expectations about where it might lead. It was simply a chance to try something new. 

Since then, those experiences have opened doors we never imagined. She has developed her musical skills, performed at prestigious venues, worked with different groups of young people and built friendships across year groups. However, some of the biggest outcomes have been the unexpected ones: watching her grow in confidence, develop independence and become more comfortable stepping into unfamiliar spaces. 

And that matters. 

When young people try new things, they are not just learning the activity itself. They are learning how to communicate with different people, manage challenges, adapt, work as part of a team and keep going when something does not come easily. 

These are the skills they will take with them into college, apprenticeships, university, employment and adult life. 

As a Careers Adviser, I often meet young people who are still discovering their strengths. Sometimes they have ruled out opportunities simply because they cannot picture themselves doing them. They may think, “that’s not for me”, when actually they have never had the chance to find out. 

Something I notice, both as a parent and through careers work, is that opportunities outside the classroom are not always equally visible or accessible. Some young people are regularly exposed to different activities, experiences and possibilities, while others may face barriers such as cost, transport, time pressures, confidence, or simply not knowing what is available. 

Often, it is not about whether a young person has potential or whether a family wants these opportunities. It is about exposure, encouragement and sometimes having someone who helps you take that first step through a new door. 

The good news is that building confidence and skills does not have to mean expensive lessons or a packed schedule. Joining a lunchtime club, volunteering, taking part in a community project, entering a competition, learning a skill online or attending a one-off event can all help young people discover something new about themselves. 

At Form the Future, we regularly see the difference that experiences beyond the classroom can make. Sometimes one conversation, one activity or one opportunity can change how a young person sees their future. 

The certificate, award or final performance is rarely the biggest achievement.  

The real success is the young person who walks away thinking: 

“I didn’t know I could do that!”