Change Your Socks

During a recent design consultation with a potential client, I shared a life lesson I learned long ago about the seemingly insignificant act of changing one’s socks. As we talked through the technical and personal needs for their bike build, my client reluctantly admitted they had not led an active lifestyle, and they weren’t happy with how it impacted their overall health. They went on to tell me how intimidated and overwhelmed they were about the changes they knew they needed to make concerning their sedentary lifestyle.  I responded by saying all you need to do right now is to change your socks. I know it sounds crazy but bear with me as I explain what I mean.   

Years ago, I found myself in a space where I needed to make drastic changes to my life if I truly wanted to be happy. It felt like the chasm between how I was living and how I wanted to live was wide as the Grand Canyon. And yes, I too felt both intimidated and overwhelmed by the changes I knew was required of me. On one of my not so great days, a friend of mine, widely recognized as one of the nicest dressers from the neighborhood, told me to change my socks. I can’t give you my initial response to his crazy ass advice, but I will share how it changed my life trajectory. The lesson my good friend taught me by changing your socks is that you may not be able to purchase an entire wardrobe, but you can start with something small. If you start by changing your socks, that will initiate the change you want so badly. New socks, new habits will inspire and motivate you to change your shoes. After you change your shoes, you’ll want to change your pants, then your shirt until finally, you’ve changed your style…or your life.  

The invaluable lesson I learned from making small changes, then consistently building upon them, has served me well until this very day. After sharing this life-altering lesson with my client, they thanked me and not only ordered a bike for themselves; they commissioned a bike for their spouse as well. Whenever I feel daunted by circumstances, I apply the change my sock theory to the situation because I know all I need to do is start with small changes first to turn it all around.  

In the Meantime Listen, stay focused, stay balanced.  By – Kendo