Try This Simple Shift to Transform Your Day

Read time: 3.5 minutes

I think a lot about the concept of change and how rewarding it can be.

Change is the reason I started traveling this path toward more clarity in the first place. But let’s be honest, change can be intimidating or outright scary.

So much so that we often find ourselves stuck in routines, relying on comfortable and familiar behaviors. Especially when we’re trying to declutter our lives or thrive in our careers. So, when it comes to productivity and getting things done, it’s helpful to step out of character.

It’s a simple idea that challenges us to rethink how we approach our daily lives. And in many cases, behaviors like this will create the kind of change that once seemed out of reach.

So today, I want to talk about how you can challenge yourself to behave differently — but in the direction of who you want to become.

Let’s dive in.

The Problem With Familiarity

Familiarity is comforting.

It gives us a sense of control and security but can also trap us in patterns that keep us from growing.

Whether it’s sticking to old habits, avoiding difficult conversations, or continuing with a career that no longer excites you — familiarity can become a barrier to the life you truly want to live.

The problem with familiarity is that it keeps us playing small.

And worst of all? It blocks action.

When we stick to what we know, we limit our potential to explore new opportunities, learn new skills, and evolve.

It’s easy to go through life on autopilot, following the same routines day after day, but this comfort zone can become a prison if we’re not careful.

To make progress — in our personal lives, decluttering our homes, or advancing our careers — we need to break free from this cycle.

The Power of Breaking Character

Breaking character forces us to think and maneuver differently from what we’re familiar with. And when forced, we’re much more likely to make decisions, focus, and produce results.

Imagine the possibilities if you stepped out of character, even for just one day.

What could you accomplish?

Here are some examples: 

• Tackling clutter: That closet full of items you’ve been avoiding? Imagine dedicating just one day to sort through it. By stepping out of character and embracing the role of a decisive organizer, you could create a clutter-free space that brings peace and clarity to your daily life.
• Speaking up in meetings: If you usually stay quiet, challenge yourself to voice your ideas and opinions. You might find that your contributions are valued more than you anticipated, opening doors to new opportunities and recognition in your career.
• Building that business: Have you been sitting on an idea for a digital product or service you could provide? Instead of doubting yourself, take one day to map out a plan and start working on it. This small step could be the beginning of something transformative, both for you and your audience.
• Setting boundaries: If you often say yes to requests that drain your energy, break character and try setting boundaries for just one day. By prioritizing your own needs and time, you’ll experience the freedom and empowerment that come from honoring your true priorities.

How to Step Out of Character

Stepping out of character doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your life — overnight. It can start with small, intentional actions that align with the person you want to become.

Here are some approachable steps that have worked well for me:

1. Identify a behavior to change: Start by identifying one behavior that’s holding you back. For me, that behavior is overthinking my content and decisions to move my business forward.
2. Commit to one day: Choose one day a week to consciously step out of character. On this day, challenge yourself to adopt the new behavior you’ve identified. Notice how it feels and what impact it has on your day.
3. Reflect on the experience: At the end of the day, reflect on your experience. What did you learn? How did stepping out of character change your perspective? This is a great thing to journal about and use the insights to guide your next steps.
4. Repeat and build momentum: The more you practice stepping out of character, the easier it becomes. Over time, these small actions will accumulate, leading to significant changes in your life and work.

Embracing Change in Your Life

Start small.

Identify a behavior that’s holding you back and break character for at least one day (to start).

This might mean letting go of items that no longer serve you, even if they’re tied to your past identity.

It might involve pursuing a new path, asking for more responsibilities, or even starting your own business.

By challenging yourself to step out of character, you’re not just changing your behavior — you’re redefining what’s possible for your life. And it’s in these moments of intentional change that you’ll find the clarity and fulfillment you’ve been searching for.

Remember, breaking character isn’t about pretending to be someone you’re not; it’s about embracing the version of yourself you have shied away from.

That’s all for this issue. I hope you enjoyed it.

See you next Sunday.