The Power of Doing Something Different (DSD)

Today, I want to talk to you about the power of three little words: Do Something Different (DSD).

I first heard about DSD from Amy Porterfield, an online marketing expert who encourages her students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace change on their journey to success. I love the message and how so many of her students have embraced it. “DSD” is a mantra repeated in her community as they take both small and big steps to grow their businesses.

Not all of them see instant success, but by consistently stepping outside their comfort zones, they make progress.

Why is DSD So Important?

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re just going through the motions, this is for you.

Sticking to the same routine puts life on autopilot. We resist change to stay in the safety of what is familiar and comfortable. But our brains and bodies need stimulation to spark creativity and motivation. Without it, we lose interest, stop challenging ourselves, and just get through the day. Then we wonder why we feel uninspired and exhausted as we binge-watch the latest Netflix series.

Does This Sound Familiar?

Life is busy and overwhelming, and I fall into this pattern so easily. Do you?

Autopilot is easier than making one more decision or pushing toward a goal. It’s easier to list all the reasons why something won’t work or why we’re failing.

For me, this has been one of the biggest roadblocks in growing my business and writing this blog.

But when I step outside my comfort zone, I find inspiration and push past fear. Suddenly, ideas flow effortlessly. I’m no longer struggling with what to write — if anything, I have too many ideas and have to find a place to jot them down before I forget!

Then, of course, I get tired. Or I hit a roadblock. And suddenly, pressing autopilot feels tempting again. Sitting down to write becomes a chore instead of something exciting.

But when we DSD, we activate our brains and bodies. We start to feel better. There’s a domino effect of positive energy that leads to:

• Intellectual, emotional, and physical stimulation.
• A shift in perspective that allows us to see new possibilities.
• Recognizing new opportunities that were there all along.
• Becoming more open to change, new experiences, and growth.

DSD Doesn’t Have to Be Big

Trying something new doesn’t have to be a major life shift. Small, simple changes can make a big impact, even when life feels overwhelming.

• For parents: Instead of scrolling on your phone while waiting for your kid’s activity to end, take a quick walk around the parking lot.
• For busy professionals: Swap your usual lunch spot for somewhere new — even if it’s just a different table in your office or eating outside instead of at your desk.
• For entrepreneurs: If you feel stuck in work, switch up your environment — work from a coffee shop for an hour or try brainstorming with pen and paper instead of your laptop.

My Own DSD Moment This Week

This past weekend, my husband and I had a rare kid-free weekend (thank you, Grandma Kay!). We had a long list of chores planned, but instead, we decided to DSD.

There’s a new wine bar within walking distance of our house, and even though we’re not big wine drinkers, we decided to check it out. We had so much fun. We shared a tasting (I know it had a fancy name, but I can’t remember it now) and enjoyed the great service and atmosphere.

Afterward, we wandered through the little shopping center, admiring the storefront displays. A new jewelry and pottery shop had opened, and even though it was closed, the owner let us peek inside. She explained that the people in the back were participating in a date night, where they were crafting rings for each other.

Then something happened that shocked me — my husband turned to me and said, “We should do that next time.”

My mouth dropped open. This was so out of character for him — or so I had assumed. Was it that we had just done something different at the wine bar and had an amazing time? Did that small shift make him more open to a pottery or jewelry-making workshop?

Maybe.

That’s the power of doing something different — it opens your eyes to the amazing opportunities all around you that you might not have noticed before.

Your 24-Hour DSD Challenge

I challenge you to Do Something Different within the next 24 hours.

It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be different.

• Say “yes” to something you’d usually turn down.
• Change up your routine in a small but intentional way.
• Do something that sparks curiosity, even if it feels random.

Then, send me a message and let me know what you did! I’d love to hear how it went.