I attended a professional course recently, and the first five minutes immediately made me sit up and pay attention. It had nothing to do with the core topic of the course. Instead, it was a single mindset exercise that anchored my entire approach to growth: Do Something Different (DSD).
The idea behind "Do Something Different" may sound simple, but it carries immense power. The exercise challenged me to shift my thinking and shake up my usual attitude with a fresh perspective. Working in a constant performative environment, I often get stuck in patterns—whether it’s how I tackle problems, handle daily tasks, or interact with others. DSD encouraged me to consciously break those patterns and rethink my methods.
At the start of the day, we were asked to approach the course with a DSD mindset. This mindset could be reflected in how we show up to each session, engage with the group, or even in our posture. For me, it was my habit of multitasking while Zooming; I would usually check off some of my to-dos, catch up on emails, and send Slacks without allowing myself to focus and be present.
I decided to disrupt my usual routine, even in small ways, and see what happens when I step outside my comfort zone. I switched it up by pausing notifications, engaging in the chats, and creating action items post-session.
Upon making a simple decision to try something new, I quickly observed a change in my energy, involvement, and creativity. This shift triggered fresh ideas and gave me sudden clarity that is not always present during a Zoom training session.
Why does something as small as changing one habit have such a profound effect? It’s because our minds thrive on novelty. When we introduce new stimuli, we stimulate areas of the brain that might otherwise be dormant due to our reliance on habit and familiarity. This can unlock a floodgate of creativity, problem-solving, and engagement.
By intentionally shifting our mindset to “Do Something Different,” we free ourselves from the constraints of the “tried and true.” It reminds us that there’s always another way, another solution, another perspective. That’s an invaluable tool in work and life, where adaptability is essential.
Next time you feel like you’re running in circles, remember this: a simple shift in perspective may be all you need to unlock new opportunities. So, why not do something different today?
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