September has always signified change for me. Perhaps it’s the almost 20 years I spent in the school system that makes this month a time for new beginnings. Whatever the reason, I have always felt that in September, anything was possible and if there was ever a time to make a change, September was the month in which to do it. Maybe that is why last week, while on a short holiday in Vancouver, I decided to try something new.

Now, I’m pretty set in my ways. It’s taken me quite some time to figure out what my style is and I usually don’t veer too far away from it. While I love adding unique pieces to my wardrobe and maybe trying something new here and there, it’s usually something that is in alignment with who I am and complements my existing style. So whether it was the effects of being on holiday, being in such a dynamic city or the fact that September had just begun, I just knew that I needed to go outside my comfort zone and try something new.

Of course you’re all probably thinking that I’ve done something drastic like shave, pierce or tattoo one thing or another, but that’s not the case. Even better. I went out and bought a pair of Frye Campus boots. And, that’s not it. I’ve worn them not only with a sun dress, but with a pair of shorts as well. Yes, outside the house, in public.

OK, OK, I can just hear it. Big. Deal. Well, for me and for many others out there, trying something new or different can be a big deal. It’s so easy to settle in our ways and to do what we know and what comes easily. As soon as we consider trying something new or stepping out into the unknown, we hesitate and often talk ourselves out of it. We start to wonder: What will people think of me? What will they say? How will they react?

It takes a great deal of confidence and courage to be daring and try something new. And each person’s definition of “new” and “daring” is different. For me, it was trying out a look that I typically don’t wear – especially in my line of work. For someone else, it could be trying a new hairstyle, starting a new venture, trying a new sport or joining a new group.

The key is go beyond the apprehension and the uncertainty – to do what feels right to you, regardless of what others might do, think or say. Of course there’s some risk involved - there usually is when experimenting. But there may also be some rewards.

Perhaps you’ll find that by trying something new you will have gained something in return. Maybe you’ll find that the new hairstyle makes you look even better or that the new venture is extremely profitable. Perhaps you’ll excel at the new sport or make great friends in the new group you joined. The possibilities are endless.

So if there is anything you have always wanted to do, change or try, I encourage you to give it shot. If it works out, then great. If it doesn’t, then at least you’ve tried. After all, it is September.