---
type: Web Page
title: "“Someone once asked how I prepare for my future.  Ready?   Pay attention.  Try new stuff.  That’s it!”"
canonical: https://jimcarroll.com/2020/08/someone-once-asked-how-i-prepare-for-my-future-ready-pay-attention-try-new-stuff-thats-it/
updated: 2020-08-28T09:58:53+00:00
---

# “Someone once asked how I prepare for my future.  Ready?   Pay attention.  Try new stuff.  That’s it!”

*“Someone once asked how I prepare for my future. Ready? Pay attention. Try new stuff. That’s it!”* – Futurist Jim Carroll

![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TryNewStuff-1024x576.jpg)

This is a screen clip from a little video I did yesterday which goes through the steps I follow to create a live video in the virtual studio.

You’ll only develop new skills if you try new things. You’ll only find new capabilities if you push new boundaries. You’ll only get to a different future if you create a new one. At times, all you need to succeed is a willingness to try things you have not done before.

I’ve always been mystified by people who complain about the fact that their world has changed – and they don’t feel relevant anymore.  I had that discussion at the end of March, one day, with my youngest son while out walking at lunch time – he was now working at home during lockdown, and my stage career was pretty much over. A huge part of my professional identity was going on stage and guiding people into their future. I missed the audience, the preparation, the mind rush that came from doing the research into an industry as to what comes next.

His comment? He said that he knew I would pick myself up, figure out new things, try new ideas, and find some relevance once again.

“Get over it, dad!”

With that,  my feeling of irrelevance lasted for but a fleeting moment of time. I went back home after the walk and tried something new in the studio.I keep doing that every single day, because the only way I can get ahead and reinvent is by getting ahead and reinventing.

Today, I’ve got capabilities that I did not have six months ago, skills that I never knew existed, and opportunities that are exploding in my mind.

If I don’t try new things, I’ll fail. It’s that simple.

Try new stuff. That’s it.