12 Tiny Changes that can Get You Out of a Static Life Pattern
“Creativity is the ability to see a solution in an impossible situation.”
We all feel like we’re trapped in a repeating pattern of some sort every now and then. Sometimes it’s just the monotony of being in the same routine day in and day out, interacting with the same exact people, and sometimes life in general. We hear of those who went through a crisis or had an epiphany, then rearranged their entire lives to create a brand new one. But oftentimes that is not an option for everyone. There are responsibilities, close relationships, and wonderful experiences — an otherwise good life we don’t want to throw away. Yet a big change feels necessary.
Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to do anything drastic to create a new pattern in life. Tiny changes in your daily routine can sometimes make a surprisingly big impact. It may not be noticeable at first, but they can start a chain reaction that propels a series of other changes in every area of your life.
Here is a list of small things you can do whenever you feel life needs a refresh:
1. Get up half an hour earlier
Getting up just 30 minutes earlier can make a world of difference. That 30-minute shift could mean:
Picking up coffee at a local coffee shop earlier and meeting a whole different crowd than you normally would
Squeezing in an exercise routine before starting your workday
Putting you in a slightly different mood
Being able to have breakfast with family members before they leave to begin their day
2. Talk to someone you wouldn’t normally talk to
There is someone in all our lives we’ve crossed paths, politely exchanged smiles with, but somehow never made the introduction to start a conversation. Whether you are shy or just feel awkward about initiating conversations, try something different next time this happens. A simple comment or “hello” can brighten both your days, or begin a new friendship. There is absolutely nothing wrong with connecting with another human being. That is what we are all here to do.
3. Look for a simple solution to something that annoys you on a regular basis
Whatever the issue may be, a simple solution is usually right around the corner if you look for it. Is there something that annoys you whenever you come across it? Perhaps something as small as a messy area in the living room, or having to read in the dark? Dedicate a few minutes of your focused attention to coming up with a simple solution to better the situation.
For example, I have a small desk with only enough room to fit a monitor, keyboard, three-tiered file caddy, and a couple small accessories. It had annoyed me for a long time that I didn't have space to even write a note. It was becoming increasingly annoying since I started working from home at the beginning of the pandemic. I was at a point where I needed to sketch out ideas and work on them digitally at the same time.
I did a quick scan of my desktop one day to see which items I could eliminate from my desktop, but quickly realized I needed all of them handy. When I looked up and saw the empty wall space above my desk, I asked myself, “What can I move to the wall and make use of that vertical space?” The answer? The file caddy. I ordered a wall file holder and removed the caddy and voila! Not only did I create the space I needed, I was able to use the hooks that came with the new file holder to hang additional items.
4. Rearrange your furniture
Growing up in a culture emphasizing Feng Shui, I was always familiar with the concept of changing your surroundings whenever a traumatic event took place. The words “Feng Shui” in Chinese translate to “Wind Water,” two of nature's elements, symbolizing the natural flow of energy in an environment.
When an area of life feels stagnant, or if you simply just want to change your “luck,” rearranging your furniture, redecorating, or remodeling would very likely do the trick. Doing that will not only redirect the flow of energy in your home, but also refresh your senses, lift your spirit, give you a sense of newness, and more often than not, give you hope and confidence.
5. Introduce a different color palette into your life
Simply adding a new set of colors into your daily life can also create a shift of energy. Different colors are associated with different meanings and stimulate different senses. If you’ve been a creature of habit and loyal to a certain color palette in your wardrobe or home decor, this might be a good time to experiment.
If you’ve been attached to neutrals in the past, then start by introducing some bright bold hues. On the other hand, if everything you own is loud and proud, perhaps try some subtle hues and see how that feels. Be sure to give anything new a little time to settle into its environment and allow for a different feeling to sink in.
6. Get a different haircut
And I don’t mean a trim. If you want to attract a change in your life, make sure you project a real change as well, even if it’s just in appearance at first.
If you’re not the kind of risk taker who changes your career and moves cross country (yet), then getting a bold new haircut could be a safe way to take a risk without taking a risk. If you don’t like it or the responses you get, you can change it again.
As you probably already know, a haircut can dramatically change your appearance and the impression you make. It will also get you some attention. Whether or not it’s the kind of attention you would expect, attention means new interactions which often lead to personal growth, and that is essentially what drives any positive change in life.
7. Introduce yourself by your nickname (or middle name)
Similarly to having a new haircut, going by a different name could dramatically change the way others receive and respond to you.
Your name is more attached to your overall persona than you can imagine. The same consonants, vowels, and number of syllables have been used your entire life to address you that it becomes automatic for people to form an instant impression of you whenever your name is heard. Changing it (even just for a short period of time) creates a new impression of who you might be and possibly forms a brand new perception.
8. Say “no” to something or someone you’ve never been able to for the first time
This seemingly small change will actually create a big shift. We often say “yes” to things we don’t want to participate in because we want to be kind or polite or avoid uncomfortable confrontations, but we don’t genuinely feel good about it. To say “no” for the first time means:
You’re honoring your feelings
You’re setting boundaries
You’re letting people get to know who you truly are
You’re gaining new confidence and independence
You’ve achieved a personal breakthrough!
9. Say “yes” to something or someone for the first time
Saying “yes” to something for the first time, on the other hand, opens up a part of you that may have been closed off for some time. You may have formed a belief and convinced yourself that thing or activity was not for you. Maybe you rejected art classes because you didn’t believe you could ever be artistic, or avoided vegan foods because you believed they couldn’t possibly taste good. Whatever the reason that kept you from trying it, remove it temporarily for this new experience.
10. Share a hidden talent of yours on social media
Most of us have a hidden talent or two tucked away and unknown other than to our family and close friends. Why not let that part of you be known to a larger group of people by sharing a video or throwback photo on social media.
Sharing a hidden part of you will not only feel good, but could also spark new conversations, friendships, not to mention prompt a few fond memories for you and your loved ones.
11. Apologize to someone you’ve wronged but never had the courage to do so
OK, this task is kind of a big deal and will take some courage to accomplish. After all, it could bring up unpleasant memories or feelings of guilt, shame, or remorse. But, all the more reason why doing this may have a cleansing effect on you afterward.
If feelings of guilt and remorse still come up whenever you’re reminded of a past situation, then make an effort to release those feelings so they don’t fester inside you any longer. This also lets others know you have taken initiative to acknowledge and own your actions.
12. Express gratitude to someone who once helped you but you never had a chance to do so
This wonderful act can also bring forth some emotions, in a good way. Giving gratitude always elevates everyone included in the process. This lets others know their act of kindness was appreciated, welcomed, and made a positive impact in your world. Doing this will simultaneously create more gratitude for your life in general and help you get into the habit of expressing it regularly.
