How One Habit Changed Everything: From a Crisis to a Habit That Shapes a Better You
- Deane Lam
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
What would you do if a sudden storm disrupted your life? We might see it as an inconvenience, something to endure until things go back to normal. But what if a crisis isn’t just a disruption—it can be a spark for transformation?
Discomfort or recurring struggles aren’t setbacks; they’re signals. They show where a habit could make the greatest difference, such as starting a rehab exercise habit after feeling pain or an injury, and even after disruption hits, it’s never too late to start—these moments can be the starting point for meaningful change.
How a Crisis Sparked Change: From a Storm to a Habit
Last year, on Valentine’s Day, a severe storm caused widespread power outages. Soon after, our internet provider’s facility was damaged, leaving us without internet for several weeks. A few hours offline might feel frustrating—but for students nowadays who rely on online access for schoolwork, this became a serious challenge.
With no reliable internet, my son, Javen (Jv), had to adapt quickly. Instead of waiting or making excuses, he took action.
At 5:00 a.m., he began waking early, eating breakfast, and cooking for himself while preparing lunch. He biked to school by 6:30 a.m. to finish homework before classes started, and before long, he became known as the student who always arrives first to study.
The Arc of a Habit: Why This One Stuck
That early-morning bike-and-study habit becomes a routine through consistency. For over 18 months now, Jv wakes early, eats breakfast, prepares lunch, and bikes to school every single day—even on dark mornings in winter under 10 degrees and on rainy days—always fully equipped to stay safe.
This repeated action cements the habit, building discipline, resilience, and a sense of responsibility—he even keeps an eye out for others, like when a snake appears. Along the way, he hones his time management, organizing his mornings—and eventually his whole day—efficiently to balance study, meals, travel, and yes, even screen time!
Habits don’t just make you better at a single task—they shape the way you live, think, and interact with the world.
Beyond the Habit: Evolution and Ripple Effects
Through this routine, Jv gains more than discipline. He learns road and bike safety, grows aware of others and his role in the community, and deepens his curiosity by appreciating nature. Along the way, he picks up practical skills—planning, cooking, grocery shopping. Repairing and upgrading his bike sparks an interest in physics and engineering, opening new paths for learning. Most of all, he builds independence and resilience.
A simple habit becomes the launchpad for bigger transformation.
Every habit carries a ripple—what begins as one choice each morning shapes character, skills, and future possibilities.
How Habits Evolve: The Habit Evolution Framework
This journey reveals a pattern we can all use. We call it the Habit Evolution Framework, inspired by “Javen’s Habit Arc.”
Jumpstart – Spark the Habit
A sudden challenge forces adaptation.
Identify a challenge in your life, or create a mini-challenge to spark action.
Act – Change or Add Habit
A new routine emerges as the solution.
Take the first practical step—start small and achievable.
Verify – Build in Consistency
Daily repetition cements the habit.
Track progress to stay consistent—habit sticks through repetition.
Here’s the secret: each time you act, you get a small mental or physical reward. That “feel-good signal” is your brain’s way of saying, “Do it again.” That’s how habits stick.
Excel – Level up Consistency
Push through difficulty and refine the habit.
Setbacks happen; persistence and adaptation strengthen the habit.
Navigate – Evolution to Another Realm
The habit expands into broader life skills and character growth.
Reflect on how your habit shapes mindset, character, and skills beyond the routine.
Why Spark a Habit—and How to Make It Stick!
Recurring struggles, small annoyances, or sudden disruptions are signals—they’re your invitation to act. Just like Jv turned a storm into a habit-launching moment, you can turn life’s signals into small habits that tackle problems, anchor growth, and make it stick.
Ever wonder why habits don’t stick? Often it’s because we chase the outcome too early—“I’ll get fit” or “I’ll read more”—but results aren’t immediate, and it takes time to see visible progress. Instead, focus on the small actions that actually build consistency, like putting on your workout clothes or reading one page before you turn on your computer.
The secret isn’t just motivation—it’s satisfaction.
💡Every time you complete a tiny action, your brain gets a hit of ‘I did this!’ pride. That feeling is the glue. Not candy, not the end goal—the immediate satisfaction of acting is what keeps your brain coming back. That’s why you start small: so you can repeat the satisfaction consistently. That’s the glue.
When Your Brain Makes Excuses—Outsmart Them
Habits aren’t all smooth sailing—your brain will whisper excuses (“Skip it today!” “Too hard!”). Totally normal. The trick? Outsmart the voice. Here’s how:
“I don’t have time!”
Shrink it. Five minutes counts. One page, one lap around the house, one sentence in your journal. Tiny wins stack fast.
“I forgot / I was too busy!”
Spotlight it. Anchor to what you already do: computer → read a page, TV → stretch with a band. Keep tools in sight so they remind you.
“It’s too hard!”
Soften it. Start absurdly small—1 push-up, 2 lines, 5 breaths. Skill comes from consistency, not big leaps.
“Nothing’s changing!”
Refocus it. The glue isn’t the outcome—it’s the immediate reward: clearer head, calmer mood, energy boost. That “I did it” feeling is the real progress.
“I failed yesterday, so why bother?”
Reset it. A miss isn’t failure, it’s feedback. Adjust, then do the tiniest next step today. Even 2 minutes keeps momentum alive.
The Habit Paradox — Habits that last aren’t forced, they’re felt. Chase the satisfaction, not the outcome. The rest will follow.
Start small, stay consistent, and push through obstacles. Over time, even simple habits can ripple outward—shaping your skills, character, and the way you impact the world.
