January is traditionally a time for reflection and resolution. We greet the new year with promises to ourselves to drop pounds, perhaps, go dry or get fit. But what would happen if our goals were more profound than that? What if we resolved to become more exciting or feel more alive?
Oakland entrepreneur Shonda Scott says changes like that are not only possible — she knows how to jump start them.
Trying something new can be daunting. The key, she says — and plenty of psychology research backs her up — is to make friends with novelty. The practice can boost brain flexibility, joy, confidence and one’s sense of purpose, all while reducing stress and negative thinking. It can also help people connect with friends and feel more in the moment.
Scott is the CEO of 360 Total Concept, a management services company whose clients include Uber and Kaiser Permanente. In 2018, she was inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame. Scott has been recognized at the national level, too, with presidential appointments from both former President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden, and earned a lifetime achievement award from Biden last year.
But a personal challenge in 2019 — a resolution to try something new every month for a year — made such a difference in her life, Scott launched the 12 New Things initiative. Now, she’s on a mission to help other people break out of their comfort zones, shake things up and embrace changes of all sorts.
For Scott, that first year turned into five more, as she seeks out new experiences near and far, everything from ziplining and swimming in Mexico’s cenotes to cherry picking in Brentwood. Naturally, we had questions.
Q: What inspired this project?
A: It started with an article I wrote about women and business in 2017. My message was that if you want to see change in your life and in your world, it starts with yourself. To make those changes, I realized (they) need to be fun and exciting, instead of causing anxiety and fear. I thought, if you could do something once a month that you’ve never done before — it can be flexible, it doesn’t have to be done any certain way, just something that’s new and different — that’s more fun and exciting.
You could decide that for the next 30 days, you’re going to drive to work a different route and take the scenic route instead of the congested route, so that when you get to work, you may be more relaxed. You could learn a new hobby. You could learn another language or sign up for a class or discover things that are in your own backyard that you’ve never seen before — like a museum or a new restaurant with new foods and cuisines — and invite your friends to join you.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: I kicked off my 12 New Things journey on my birthday in February 2019. By the time my next birthday had come around, I’d decided that 12 new things isn’t just a year-long birthday activity, this is a lifestyle. I should do this every year. Now, people are always asking, “What’s the new thing you’re doing this month?”
The beginning of the year is a great time to start — or your birthday. Start by writing a list of things that you want to do. As you go, new things then come to you that you may not have even thought about. It opens up your mind and your spirit to other possibilities.
Q: How has that played out in your own life?
A: One time, I saw a commercial that Steph Curry did. To rejuvenate himself from an injury, he went into this sensory deprivation pod. I had never seen a pod like that before, but I thought it was cool. Later, at coffee with a friend, I looked around and saw a pod place. I ran across the street and found out more about the experience and the benefits, and I set up an appointment.
It was the most amazing feeling. You’re in there for an hour, and afterward, I was just so at peace and relaxed. Another benefit: With the package I bought, I was able to give a session to my niece. That’s what 12 New Things is about. It’s about doing things by yourself and for yourself, but it’s a benefit not only to you, but to all those around you.
Q: What are some of your more memorable new experiences?
A: Travel is a good one for me. One time, I was speaking at a women’s conference in Tulum, and one of the activities they offered was ziplining in the cenotes and caves there.
I wasn’t going to go, but some of the other people going didn’t know how to swim. I’m a lifeguard — I wasn’t comfortable with the others cave diving without knowing how to swim. I went, and it was a fun adventure. It was rewarding for me, because I looked out for them and helped everyone come back safely.
Q: What are some local adventures you’ve tried?
A: Somebody suggested cherry picking in Brentwood, and I did it. When you decide to start doing new things and discovering things in your own backyard, you’ll be amazed at how many adventurous things there are right in your own community that you take for granted or just never took the time to do.
There are all these hidden jewels that people have never experienced. I’m surprised at how many people have not been to Fairyland or the Oakland Museum of California.
Q: Has 12 New Things impacted your work life, too?
A: It probably has made me more balanced, because I carve out time to take care of my mind and enjoy the things we have around us throughout the year. It gives you the ability to recharge and reflect.
Q: What advice do you have for people trying to break out of their comfort zones?
A: Doing the same thing all the time becomes your comfort zone. But change is what we all have to experience in life. You can start small. Write down the things you want to do. You’re always going to have fear, (so) the other part is: make it fun.
People ages 8 to 80 and beyond can do this. Some people may be at a certain age and think they’ve accomplished everything they want to accomplish. But there are new things that they can still do. I have a follower who’s 80 years old, and she started learning how to play golf. It helps you continue to find joy in life. If you’re doing something for fun each month that’s exciting to you, you’re going to be more pleasant, more happy, more excited about things.