Why it matters: Being human-centric at home shapes how we show up everywhere else in our lives, including in the work that we do.
The second half of life is for us to become who we were truly meant to be.
This is my paraphrase from “Hagitude” by author Sharon Blackie, as she paraphrases Carl Jung. It’s basically a third-hand summary at this point, but it’s really stuck with me because today I turn the corner into a whole new decade. My 40’s.
Truthfully I’m looking forward to 40, but unsure about how I’ll feel about the rest of the decade. Will it finally hit me that this new set of numbers will mean new sets of expectations? New sets of experiences? New sets of societal pressures?
What I can tell you is this- in my late 30’s I’ve experienced the following:
Less tolerance for the punishment of capitalism (you know, the whole “we can-ask-you-to-do-whatever-we-want-cause-as-an-employee-we-think-we-own-your-life)
Less desire to follow the rules, especially in business when it means compromising on treating people well
Less ability to stomach the gaslighting that we do to the younger generations about their own observations on work and working expectations
Less patience for spending time on serving the dollar, at the cost of my community
More desire to do things differently and see if it makes my life better
This is how we got to the Novelty Experiment.
The Novelty Experiment lives to answer the question “can we leave behind the expected, and in turn live a more human-centric life outside of work by prioritizing the search for novel experiences?”
For me, the Novelty Experiment is also my answer to becoming. I’m searching to answer Blackie’s question about “who am I truly meant to be?”
Is it a worker? An owner? A producer (of work)? A creator? An organizer? Entering a new decade felt like as good a time as any to start answering that question.
Based on my novelty test run in 2025 (an accidental delight), I’m making an educated “yes” to being able to live a more human-centric life outside of work. That’s also why I’m committing to 100 novel things in 2026.
But all good experiments need numbers in order to see if one person’s experience is just a fluke.
That’s why I’m grateful for you joining me.
We don't have to wait for the second half of life to become who we're meant to be. Now is a good time, at whatever age, stage, or year that looks ahead.
My mission and my newsletter focus on questioning the norm and discovering what good life brings when we shift our perspective. The Novelty Experiment is my unique framework (backed by science) to help us explore and test.
For January, you can find all the details about the challenge here, with a preview of my own chosen activities for The Crew, along with some recommendations for you in the newsletters, and finally more juicy content coming your way in the upcoming weeks.
Want to support me in the process? You can:
Let the great experiment begin!
Talk soon,
Rachel
Leadership trainer, novelty junkie, and human being
P.s. Enjoy this photo of me hammin’ it up at a networking event!
Dig a little deeper: What’s your goal for participating in the Novelty Experiment. As you get started, I recommend writing it down somewhere, and not just holding it in your mind. There’s power in looking back, and this is a great way not forget when it’s time to reflect.
What’s next: Our January theme is here! Check out one of the other posts about the Novelty Experiment to join in the fun. You can also subscribe to be part of the Novelty Crew for insider access and added bonuses throughout the year.
Join the Novelty Club!
I'm doing 100 novel experiences this year to learn what it means to be human-centric at work and at home.
Join me on the adventures by becoming part of the Novelty Club, and get behind-the-scenes information, special invitations, access to join me in 30-day challenges, and more!
Thanks for joining me on my search for novelty and one human-centric leaders's journey towards a more balanced life.
