Today, I’m sharing some unconventional but very effective easy-to-do changes you can start implementing right now that will help you show up as your best self every day.
Because all change doesn’t have to be hard.
Let’s get into some of the weird and quirky little changes you can make in your life that can lead to some pretty big shifts in your productivity, your resilience, and your mindset.
15 Weird Changes That Create a Big Impact
These aren’t your typical life hacks. These little shifts might seem odd at first, but they’re backed by studies and real-world results. You don’t have to choose all of them but try to choose a few that resonate with you. You might be surprised by what happens.
On Productivity…
1- Make it a Game
Gamification isn’t just for kids. Setting timers, assigning points, or competing with yourself leverages your brain’s reward system to make tasks more engaging. Next time you’re watching your favorite podcast on YouTube, see how many emails you can clear out of your inbox during the advertisements.
2- Practice the 2-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This tiny change eliminates procrastination and keeps small tasks from piling up into overwhelming to-do lists. It’s also very effective at reducing mental clutter, which zaps you of your energy for the rest of the day.
3- Replace Your To-Do List with a “Done” List
Tracking accomplishments instead of tasks shifts your focus to what you’ve already achieved. It builds momentum and combats the overwhelm of unfinished tasks. Seeing all the things you’ve done creates a huge confidence boost, giving you the power to push through the rest of your “almost done” list.
4- Brush Up on Balance
While you’re brushing your teeth, stand on one leg for 30 seconds, then switch to the other. This simple habit improves balance and strengthens your stabilizing muscles. Studies show that better balance is linked to enhanced cognitive function and long-term brain health. It’s a tiny tweak with big benefits for your body and mind.
5- Fake the Finish Line
Parkinson’s Law says work expands to fill the time you give it. Set your deadlines 30 minutes earlier than needed. This little tweak forces you to focus faster and get things done more efficiently without the last-minute rush.
On Resilience…
6- Celebrate Failures with Rewards
Who says failure isn’t worth celebrating? Each time something doesn’t work out, treat yourself to a tiny win, like a cup of your favorite coffee or a piece of candy. This rewires your brain to stop fearing failure and see it as a positive step in your growth journey.
7- Name The Feeling
Give your emotions a name. According to research, just saying “I’m frustrated” or “I’m nervous” reduces their intensity by up to 50%. Labeling your feelings helps you process them faster and move forward without them impacting your energy.
8- Use the “Wrong” Hand
Switch it up! Try brushing your teeth or pouring your coffee with your non-dominant hand. This weird little change forces your brain to adapt to discomfort, training your mind to embrace challenges instead of avoiding them.
9- One Hard Thing a Day
Challenge yourself daily. Whether it’s taking a cold shower or having a tough conversation, doing one hard thing builds your resilience muscle. Over time, discomfort feels less daunting and growth becomes second nature.
10- Forgetty the Petty
Don’t sweat the small stuff! When a rude email or messy room irks you, pause and choose to let it go. This tiny habit trains your mind to release minor annoyances, building emotional resilience for bigger challenges ahead.
On Mindset…
11- Channel Your Future Self
When faced with a decision, think about the person you’re becoming and ask, “What would future me do?” This perspective shifts your focus from immediate gratification to long-term thinking, helping you align your actions with your bigger goals.
12- Data in Discomfort
When you feel resistance or discomfort, don’t avoid it, study it. Ask yourself, “What is this trying to teach me?” Discomfort often highlights areas where growth is waiting to happen. Curiosity beats avoidance every time.
13- Flip Complaints to Thanks
Every time you catch yourself complaining, reframe it by finding something to be grateful for in that situation. Stuck in traffic? Be thankful for extra podcast time. This simple shift moves your energy from problems to solutions.
14- Strike a Pose
Slouching won’t solve your problems, but standing like a superhero might. Your posture sends powerful signals to your brain, and research shows holding a “Superman Pose” for two minutes boosts confidence and shifts your mood. So roll your shoulders back, lift your chin, and let the world know you mean business.
15- Gratitude on Cue
Link gratitude to an everyday task, like starting your car or sitting down at your desk. Use it as a trigger to think of one thing you’re thankful for. Over time, this builds a reflexive habit that rewires your brain for positivity.
You probably read of few of those and immediately thought I must have lost my mind. But what if just one or two of these could be the little changes that set off a domino effect of real-life impact?
You won’t know until you try, right?
Action Step
This week I want you to focus on little changes. You could pull from the 15 we just discussed, or you can come up with your own. What’s important is that you reframe change, big or small, from being scary or cumbersome to something fun and exciting.
- Observe Your Patterns: Pay attention to the small habits or routines you usually overlook. Which ones feel automatic but might be holding you back or could be slightly improved? Which ones could you make more enjoyable or meaningful to you?
- Choose Playfulness: Take one of those habits and add an unexpected or quirky element to it. Turn washing dishes into a game or try ironing with your non-dominant hand. Focus on how it feels, not the results. I’m not expecting you to be ambidextrous by the end of the week, but I hope it inspires ideas for other small changes in your life.
- Celebrate the Process: At the end of the week, reflect on your effort and the changes in your mood. Did the Superman pose make you feel more powerful before your meeting? Did brushing your teeth with your opposite hand while standing on one leg make you laugh at yourself? Hey, at least I didn’t ask you to pat your head and rub your stomach while doing it. 😉
Change, even little ones, can lead to big things. Not every change is going to usher in the next chapter of your life, but it’s all those little changes that add up to something big.
As you start changing the things in your life that don’t serve you, bit by bit, day by day, you’ll notice your life is a better version than it was before.
