There were times in my life when a problem felt too much to handle, and sometimes, I wouldn’t do anything about it, I’d just let whatever I was dealing with at the time drag on a little longer until I’ve had enough. But when I found the importance of ritual? That turned my life around for the better. And one of my go-to rituals is taking the stress, burnout, or whatever I’m dealing with for a walk—sometimes—long, long walk. But almost every time, somewhere along the way, an idea or solution unexpectedly comes to mind. I believe the reason this works is because rituals are about movement. Taking that first step–literally–sets things in motion, They get you going before you wait around to feel ready to act.
Motivation feels elusive, especially on those days when you just can’t get anything started. But sometimes, the secret lies in creating simple, tiny habits that become your method for getting into motion, no matter how uninspired you feel. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or follow anyone else’s playbook, it just needs to be something that works for you.
According to The National Institute of Health, rituals help convince our brains of constancy and predictability as “ritual buffers against uncertainty and anxiety.”
Think of it like your morning coffee routine, you brew the coffee, pour it into your favorite mug, and before you know it, you’re awake and ready to face the day. The act itself is small, but it holds power. Over time, these rituals become cues for your brain, signaling that it’s time to shift gears and get into the flow.
Make no mistake, these rituals aren’t just habits, they are ldeliberate actions that can help get into the zone
Great athletes, artists, and creators all have these kinds of rituals. A basketball player takes the same number of practice shots every day, not because he’s aiming for perfection but because the rhythm and repetition help him get in the zone. A songwriter drives around aimlessly until inspiration strikes. Many writers (and I) swear by long walks to solve problems, letting movement clear our minds and unlock new ideas.
In Write from the Heart, John Stewart shares a story about composer Glenn Gould and the unusual way he dealt with creative blocks. Whenever Gould felt stuck, he’d turn on two or three radios, each tuned to a different station, and listen to them all at once while composing his own music. The idea was to overwhelm his conscious mind, so his creative subconscious could take over without judgment. It gave his logical side of his brain too much to handle, allowing the creative side to flow more freely.
Whether you’re trying a new recipe, writing a novel, or simply trying to get through the day, your rituals can help you show up with intention and make each moment meaningful.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be an artist or athlete to benefit from rituals like these. You could spare five minutes journaling, stretching before starting your work, or a quick stroll around the block. These small actions have the power to shift your mindset. Rituals give you something to do, even when you don’t feel ready to take on the day.
Another beauty of rituals is that they bypass hesitation. You’re not waiting for motivation to show up—you’re creating it through action. And once you’re in motion, it’s easier to keep going. Over time your personal routines become a predictable, manageable way to tap into your inner drive whenever you need it.
Whatever you do, think of it as art. Your life is your art, that includes what you do for a living, whether you’re a salesman or managing a team, treat your work as something you can master through small, meaningful rituals that keep you moving forward. These actions are your tools, shaping your day, as well as your life.
