Moving to Japan and living here for the past three years has triggered an incredible amount of personal growth in me. The daily challenges and adventures which come with living in a different culture and language make each day an adventure and a chance to learn, but really it’s the people I’ve met, both Japanese and non-Japanese, who have helped me grow.

Which got me to thinking about who I have learned the most from, who has contributed the most to my growth, who has broadened my horizons the most? What is the one thing they all have in common?

Distance.

Distance in terms of life experience, background, viewpoints, perspectives.

All of those people who have taught me the most have been the ones who most challenged my assumptions and my notion of what is common sense.

I have learned the most from people who are the most unlike me, those who are at the greatest distance in terms of my usual experience and my friends.

Artists, teachers, writers, businesspeople, scientists, salespeople, entrepreneurs, students — all of them have showed me other ways of thinking and doing.

To grow and broaden our horizons, we all need to get out of our comfort zone some of the time. Of course moving halfway around the world is one way to do that, but it is not the only way. Every so often, we need to step out of our usual social circle. and stretch ourselves. Surround yourself with people who think differently, who dress differently. Get out and hang out with freaks and weirdos!

Attend events you’d not normally go to, go to talks on things you know nothing about, read books on strange (to you) topics.

Take up a new hobby which will surprise your friends!

As always, the key is people. Inspiration and learning come from travel, travel comes from crossing a distance, but that does not always have to be geographical distance.

You’re bound to learn something new, you will have your assumptions challenged and your perspectives shifted, and hopefully you’ll make new friends in the process!