Doing Something Differently: On Change and Habit Formation

Life is full of opportunities to make small changes that challenge our routines. Recently, I turned my notebook sideways to write a longer journal entry. This minor adjustment felt surprisingly difficult and took a month even to consider. The simple act of changing how I wrote revealed how deeply ingrained even our smallest habits can be.

At first, it felt awkward — my hand struggled to adapt to the new orientation, constantly running out of space. But this discomfort made me reflect on how often we resist change, even when it could bring growth. Why do we cling to familiar routines? And what might we discover if we embraced more small changes in our lives?

The Struggle with Change

Change, even in its simplest form, can feel disorienting. Our minds are wired to seek comfort in familiar patterns. But without change, we risk becoming stagnant. Altering how I wrote — a seemingly trivial adjustment — became a metaphor for embracing the discomfort of growth.

Think about your routines: your morning rituals, how you work, or how you interact with others. How many of these actions are on autopilot? What would happen if you intentionally shifted just one of them? Disrupting routine, even slightly, can unlock new insights and perspectives.

Gaining Focus Through Small Shifts

This notebook experiment brought an unexpected benefit: it sharpened my focus. In a world of distractions, it’s easy to let thoughts scatter. But small, intentional changes can condense and clarify our thinking.

More than that, it reminded me of the value of time with my children. Adjusting my writing style brought joy and sadness — a reminder that time is fleeting. It underscored how precious these moments are, making me more mindful of how I spend them.

The Lesson: Embrace Discomfort for Growth

The real lesson? Small, intentional changes matter. They push us out of autopilot and invite us to see things differently. Change will initially feel uncomfortable, but growth begins in that discomfort.

I also found gratitude in this experience — for the clarity it brought and my time with my loved ones. Life is short, and small adjustments can lead to big realizations.

What one small change can you make today to challenge your routine and spark growth?