“Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.”

You may have heard inspirational quotes and messages about stepping out of your comfort zone, not being afraid to take risks, and trying something new. However, the unspoken assumption is to try that new thing once.

This quote, by Virgil Thomson, challenges us to try something new not once but three times. “Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.”

Perhaps we don’t have to do so exactly three times. There are many instances where once is enough.

The bottom line is to not be quick to decide whether you like something or not. Sometimes you need to overcome the initial fear first and then learn–appreciate–understand. For instance, you might have tried Brussel sprouts, spinach, and broccoli as a kid and hated them, but they grew on you. And maybe they now rank high among your favorite foods.

Sometimes you never know until you try. And you never really know until you try again.

E. Ballay

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