Crave for New Beginnings

Apr 15 / Boris Nedwed

Why We Crave New Beginnings

Insights from BG5 and Personal Journeys in Scuba Diving and Motorcycle Racing

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Human beings have an intrinsic desire to seek out new experiences and challenges. This drive, deeply embedded within our nature, often leads us to embark on new ventures, whether they be hobbies, careers, or skills. But what is the root of this ceaseless pursuit? And how can understanding our inherent design—through tools like BG5—help us navigate this quest more effectively?

The Drive for Newness

At its core, the pursuit of new challenges is about growth and exploration. It's a testament to our resilience and adaptability as human beings. Starting something new provides a fresh set of stimuli for the brain, offering a chance to engage different parts of ourselves that might remain dormant in the routine of everyday life.

From a psychological perspective, this drive can be linked to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in motivating behavior by making us crave rewards and pursue them actively. Every time we start something new, we anticipate a potential reward, and this anticipation stimulates dopamine production.

Insights from BG5

BG5, the career and business application of the Human Design System, offers a unique lens through which to view this phenomenon. According to BG5, each individual has a unique design, a specific set of strengths, talents, and ways of interacting with the world. This design can show us why we are drawn to start new things and why these pursuits may eventually lose their luster.

For instance, in a BG5 chart, one might look at the openness in the chart, particularly in the functions that govern curiosity and seeking new experiences. An open Inspiration Function might indicate a person who is consistently looking for new things to make sense of, constantly seeking new mental stimulation. Meanwhile, a defined Energy Resource Function could point to a consistent energy to work and engage with life, which can manifest as a drive to take on and master new challenges.

Personal Experience with Scuba Diving and Motorcycle Racing

Reflecting on my personal experiences with scuba diving and motorcycle racing, I can see this pattern of behavior clearly.
Both activities started as new, exciting challenges that promised not just the thrill of the activity itself, but a sense of accomplishment and mastery. Each dive and race was a step towards proficiency, an opportunity to engage deeply with a complex skill set.
In my BG5 chart, traits such as the 48th Trait of Depth (a drive to gain mastery and expertise in a skill) and the 18th Trait of Correction (a desire for seeing what is wrong and needs improvement) prominently influence my behavior. Furtermore, I do have the 28th Trait of the Game Player to which I come a bit later.
These aspects of my design explain why I pushed to reach maximum levels of proficiency in both scuba diving and motorcycle racing. However, once mastery was achieved and the activities became routine, the thrill diminished—my design is wired to seek out new challenges rather than to maintain interest in the mastered.
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The hobbies of scuba diving and motorcycle racing are inherently thrilling and often involve a considerable amount of risk and adventure. These activities align remarkably well with the characteristics of the third line of trait 28, known as the "Game Player," in my Human Design profile. This trait imbues me with a natural propensity for adventurism and a willingness to embrace challenges that stir a profound sense of aliveness and vitality within me.

Embracing Risk and Adventure

The third line of trait 28, which is activated in my design, highlights a profound inclination towards risk-taking. Scuba diving and motorcycle racing are not just hobbies; they are activities that require a high level of skill, focus, and, importantly, the ability to confront and manage physical dangers. These activities provide me with unique opportunities to meet and navigate risks in environments that demand vigilance and quick decision-making, enhancing my sense of self-efficacy and confidence.

Finding Purpose Through Challenges

The trait description points out the importance of engaging in struggles that bring a sense of purpose. Both scuba diving and motorcycle racing offer more than adrenaline; they require a deep engagement with the environment and the self, pushing me to explore my limits and capabilities. This exploration is not reckless but a calculated engagement with challenges that help forge a stronger sense of identity and purpose.

Building Confidence and Sharing Experiences

As I confront and master my fears through these high-risk activities, I do not only develop my skills but also build a robust confidence that I can handle challenging situations.
This personal growth is then something I can share, influencing others by example and encouraging them to open up about their own experiences and aspirations. My hobbies thus become a conduit for inspiring others and redirecting conversations towards meaningful exchanges about courage, resilience, and the pursuit of fulfillment.

Community and Influence

Moreover, the trait underlines a role in using my awareness to help others assess what is worth investing their energy in. In the communities of scuba divers and motorcycle racers, I have found myself in positions where I could offer insights about safety, preparedness, and the emotional rewards of these activities. This leadership helped guide newcomers and fellow enthusiasts in making informed decisions about engaging with these potentially risky hobbies in a healthy and rewarding manner.

Aligning with Your Decision-Making Strategy

The cautionary note in my trait description about the importance of following my Decision-Making Strategy to avoid exhaustion and unnecessary battles is crucial.
It suggests that while my inclination toward adventurous hobbies is aligned with my innate nature, I must remain mindful of my limits and true motivations.
This mindfulness ensures that my engagements in these hobbies continue to bring joy and growth rather than becoming a source of stress or fatigue.

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In conclusion, my choice of scuba diving and motorcycle racing as hobbies is deeply intertwined with my inherent design.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Design

Understanding one's BG5 chart can provide invaluable insights into why we are drawn to start new things and why our interest may wane after achieving proficiency.
For those like me, who see patterns of intense engagement followed by a plateau of interest, BG5 can help us recognize our natural cycles and perhaps guide us to manage our engagements more sustainably.

By aligning our pursuits with our inherent design, we not only set ourselves up for more fulfilling experiences but also learn to anticipate and manage our own cycles of interest and disengagement.
This alignment allows us to navigate our inclinations more consciously and effectively, ensuring that our pursuits enrich our lives and contribute to our growth on multiple levels.

So, the next time you're drawn to a new hobby or skill, consider not just the excitement of the new but also how it fits into your larger design and life path.
Embrace the journey of discovery, mastery, and eventual transition as a reflection of your unique human design.