5 Simple Daily Challenges to Break Routine and Boost Your Mindset

I just read an email from a neuroscientist who talked about how your brain is designed to keep you safe. Because of this safety programing, your brain defaults to familiarity, even if it's not good for you. Did you ever wonder why people stay in the same bad job or hang in at the same bad relationship. It's because of the pathways your brain creates to keep you safe.

But what happens if you want to change. Your brain still defaults to the familiar making it really hard to change. This is why you need to build new neuropathways in your brain and break the cycle.

These 5 daily challenges are super simple and can help you make the change you know is the right thing to do but you can't take that first step. These challenges will help you build new neuropathways for you to achieve your goals.

1) Brush your teeth with your opposite hand.

Many of us have seen Rocky II where Rocky Balboa is trained by Mickey, who makes him tie his right hand behind his back during training. This was done to force Rocky to become more proficient with his left hand, helping him transition to a southpaw stance. The strategy was meant to surprise Apollo Creed in their rematch. This is a 5-day daily challenge for you to try. Nothing hard but something fun and see how you do. I started this a few months ago and it was very uncomfortable at first, but it is becoming easier each day. I am Not ready to get into the boxing ring just yet but it's a step in the right direction.

2) Walk Backwards

The concept is supposed to help you activate different parts of your brain (and muscles). We regularly see basketball players run backwards in the game and in practice, as do hockey players on the ice. I have been doing this for about 6 months now on my daily morning walk for a portion of the walk. Honestly, I keep waiting for someone to look at me like I am crazy. Give it a try, but make sure there is nothing that you will trip over or hit when you start!

3) Walk outside and try to isolate a sound for a few minutes like a bird chirping or the wind in the trees. Close your eyes while doing it. 

If you live in a noisy area such as a city, it will make it even more challenging to isolate the noise but it can be done.It's along the same concept to stop and smell the roses. Take time to block out all of the distractions to focus on what is important. Try it for 5 minutes.

4) Sit in silence for 5 minutes

Some of you might find this easy, especially if you meditate but for those of you who like background noise or just live in a noisy household/area, it might be more challenging. Do your best to block out the noise as best you can. Then just sit. That's it. The idea is to help center yourself, calm your nerves, allow space to think, etc.

5) Stand on one foot

If you haven't tried this yet, this is a humbling experience.

Standing on one foot will help improve your balance but it will also tell your brain that you are doing something different and requires concentration, especially at first.

If you start to get good (maybe 30-60 seconds on each foot, try to combine it with brushing your teeth with the opposite hand.

Let me know how you do. These are 5 easy steps that will allow you to start help break your routine and boost your mindset!

Cover image by Matt Buro