Switching It Up

Alternate title: Switching Loyalties

This afternoon we had our new cable service installed.  In the end, it will probably be about the same as the previous service, but it will be nicer as it will cost less (for at least a little while).  It was a somewhat momentous occasion, as we ended up switching service providers (and had to spend a while on the phone explaining why we did that with the previous service provider).  In a bigger sense, it was a way to make a change and switch from the status quo that we had been following for the past few years, trying something new and different.  As someone who is committed to the same program for many, many years (having already devoted many, many years to it already), something like this is beneficial if only because it's something different.

In a larger context, it's a pretty good thing to change it up every once in a while and do something different.  While it's nice to have stability, I'm finding more and more how important it is to get outside the comfort zone and try something new.  There are a number of ways this has happened to me...

- In purchasing equipment, I had an opportunity to speak to a number of companies about possibly picking up a new PCR machine.  After discussing different prices with both companies, I ended up going with the new one that I had not interacted with as often before, because it was a better deal.  I felt bad switching up loyalties and going with a newer company, but in the end it was a better decision financially and the benefits were better than with the first company.  Even if I had to cut ties, I made a good decision about it.

- In the lab, switching to a new technique or reaction scheme when the previous one isn't working so well can save time overall, even with the requisite learning curve associated with developing that new technique.  I myself have gone through several iterations of a particular molecule type (a dendrimer) in order to make it both easier to synthesize and more modular for additional synthetic derivatives.  Had I not stepped out of the comfort zone of a known pathway, I would not have gotten the molecules I currently use.

- In running, there are many ways to step out of the comfort zone - trying a new workout, a new piece of equipment, a new route, and - most recently - new pairs of shoes.  While it may not always work out (see my recent attempt to use Puma Faas 500 shoes), it's much better to try something different when you're in a rut.

While it's difficult to step outside of the comfort zone, it ends up being better for everyone if you do!