Get in a Bigger Tank

It is often said, that goldfish will grow when they get in a bigger tank. So if you have a small counter top tank and put a goldfish in it, it’s growth will stagnate. Likewise, if you put that same fish in a bigger tank it will grow bigger then stagnate again. You can keep repeating this process but only when you increase the size of the tank will the goldfish grow.

When we stay around the same people or do the same thing each day, we are not growing. We are stagnating. Our kids might stagnate, too if we let them watch the same shows or only take them to same places they will never experience new ideas, foods, or cultures.

Unlike goldfish, we have the potential to keep learning and expanding through our lives no matter our circumstances.

The way we break the mold is by getting outside of our comfort zone and go and experience something new or novel. We need to read books, visit museums and historical sites, or talk to stranger. I’ll dive into this more.

Read Books

As of this writing, I am wrapping up book #12 for the year – “Dream Big and Win” by Liz Elting. She has a 9-10 figure document translation agency. Before reading the book, I didn’t even know those consulting firms even existed. I mean, it makes sense they do, but it’s not something you think about until you need it.

But if I had never read the book I would have never heard about TransPerfect Translations. (The irony of this is because I read the book, I am now pseudo-promoting her business, but I guess that’s the point of writing a book). It’s a company whose goal is to take documents, press-releases, or agreements and convert it into another language. This opened a Pandora’s Box inside of me. What other companies exist that I have never heard of or industries I never knew about?

Reading books is more than just being transported into a fantasy or crime novel. It can be self-help, personal development, or inspirational. Any book will help you get into a bigger tank but the more you read the bigger the tank gets.

If books aren’t your speed you can use documentaries, podcasts, or courses to expand your knowledge.

Create New Experiences

My family loves to experience new things. For birthdays we let our kids choose where they want to go. We allow them to create their “own adventure”. This not only gives them ownership on their day but also allows them to be creative on where we go or what we do.

Likewise, we love to go on trips. Sometimes it’s a full blown vacation, other times, it might just be a camping trip. Regardless if it’s at home or away we try to do something fun or exciting.

When we go out to eat, I try to get something new or different. My subway order is typically the same thing but if it’s at restaurant or dinner out, I try to get something different. I find trying new foods to be a thrill of sorts.

Museums, historical centers, or galleries is another way to expand yourself. Some people may consider it boring or mundane but going out and seeing these places will help you better understand the way world was or how it is shaped now. The Alamo is great example of this. There’s so much history recorded there that you can touch, smell, and sense the way they lived in that mission.

Strike up a Convo with Someone Else

Your parents always said, “Don’t talk to strangers”. That’s good advice but also, don’t be afraid to talk to people as you get older.

We went to a playground at a sonic on our last vacation and there were two other kids there, both girls. My oldest was playing on the ground and was just talking to them and playing with them. I don’t know how old they were, maybe one was 5 and one was 7 or 8. But he was just out playing and talking and running around. This isn’t to say that I just let him go and run wild, but my wife and I were there watching diligently to his every move and action to make sure he was safe, but we allowed him to experience life as a kid.

For myself, I’ll talk to anyone. At a theme park a few months back, I wore my Dad.First Shirt. There was a guy with his son in the same area we were and we got seated next to each other on a ride. We talked about Dad.First and what it meant to me and it’s mission.

Additionally, there was a cousin at a wedding we attended the other weekend. I had never met the man as he was stationed overseas at least for the last 15 years but he spent 23 years in the Navy. Once dinner was over, I introduced myself and we talked. It was great to get to know him and his family we’d hadn’t interacted with much over the years.

By talking to people and getting their points of view you can expand your tank to be open to new ideas.

These are just a few ways you can expand your tank and there are lot more but by expanding your tank and allowing yourself to grow you will become a more well-rounded person for yourself and your family.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog so you get it into your inbox or follow me on Instagram @beadad.first. You can always add your additional thoughts into the comments on how you expand your tank in your life!