(and 25 Free Ways to Do It Today)
If you’ve been feeling stuck lately… this might not be about your talent, your business, or your ideas. It might be your environment.
After returning home from a six-day trip to California—teaching, connecting, and simply being outside of my everyday routine—I had a realization that hit me hard: We are spending way too much time in the same spaces. And it’s costing us our creativity.
Let’s talk about why changing your environment matters—and exactly how to do it (without spending money).
Why Changing Your Environment Sparks Creativity
When you stay in the same place day after day, your brain goes on autopilot.
Same room. Same routine. Same thoughts.
But the moment you step into a new environment—even something small—your brain wakes up.
You begin to:
- Notice new details
- Think differently
- Feel more energized
- Generate fresh ideas
I experienced this firsthand.
Ideas were flowing on the airplane.
Conversations sparked new business directions.
Even walking into a shop I had passed for years unlocked creative inspiration.
That’s not a coincidence. That’s activation.
The Truth: You Don’t Need Money—You Need Movement
One of the biggest myths I hear is:
“I can’t afford to travel right now.”
You don’t need a plane ticket. You need a pattern interrupt. A shift. A decision to move your body into a new space.
10 Free Ways to Change Your Environment (Starting Today)
Here’s your challenge: do ONE of these in the next 48 hours.
1. Go for a walk—without your phone
Just observe. Listen. Be present.
2. Sit on a park bench and journal
No pressure. Just let your thoughts flow.
3. Visit your local library
Wander. Pull random books. Explore something new.
4. People-watch at a public place
Airports, parks, downtown areas—watching others expands perspective.
5. Try a new walking trail or neighborhood
Even a different street can shift your mindset.
6. Sit outside and listen to nature
Birds, wind, trees—this lowers cortisol and boosts dopamine.
7. Move to a different spot in your home
A new window view can spark fresh thinking.
8. Visit a local bookstore or art supply shop
You never know what idea is waiting on a shelf.
9. Go to a free local event or farmers market
Say hello to people. Be open.
10. Take a drive with no destination
Turn on the music. Let your mind wander.
Low-Cost Ways to Shift Your Energy ($5–$25)
Sometimes a small investment creates a massive return.
Try this:
- Work from a coffee shop
- Take yourself on a solo lunch date
- Visit a museum or gallery
- Attend a local meetup or workshop
Here’s the truth:
A $6 coffee can spark a $6,000 idea.
I’ve lived it.
When You’re Ready for a Bigger Shift
If you’re craving more, listen to that.
Here’s what “next level” environment shifts look like:
- Book a creative workshop
- Attend a retreat
- Travel to a nearby town for the day
- Spend time with other creatives in person
Because something powerful happens when you’re in the room with others:
You learn faster. You think bigger. You connect deeper.
What Happens When You Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
During my recent trip, I watched women:
- Meet for the first time
- Support each other instantly
- Exchange ideas
- Build real connections
And it all started with one simple decision:
They showed up.
My upcoming workshops are listed here on my website.
If You Feel Stuck, Read This
You are not:
- Too old
- Too late
- Too behind
You are simply… in need of a shift. Because when we stay isolated, we start to believe:
“I’m the only one feeling this way.”
That’s not true. We’re all navigating it together.
Your 48-Hour Challenge 💙
I want you to do something intentional.
Not errands.
Not routine.
Not an obligation.
Something different. Ask yourself:
👉 Where will I go in the next 48 hours to change my environment?
Then do it. And pay attention to what happens.
Final Thought: Be Your Own Activation
You don’t need permission. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to begin.
Even:
- 6 minutes
- 6 hours
- One small shift
Because that one decision?
It could change everything.
If you love a great chat, I talked about this very thing on Dionne, Daily last week on YouTube.