James Clear’s best-selling Atomic Habits has helped millions understand how small, consistent changes can create big results. It’s a book full of structure, planning, and micro-improvements. But is that all it takes for real development?
What if we said that chance is also a necessary component of sustainable and creative habit development?
That may sound like spitting in the face of structure. But evolution, creativity, and many human breakthroughs share the same ingredient: the unexpected.
Chance Changes Everything
In London in the 1970s, the Tube was closed due to a strike. Many were forced to take alternative routes to work, and when the strike was over, a significant percentage continued to take the new route because it was better. Without the strike, they would never have discovered it. Chance changed behavior.
Even evolution—often seen as a slow, gradual process—is actually based on something else: mutations. Small, random changes in the copying of DNA. Some make no difference. Others change lives. Darwin described the power of selection, but without the randomness of mutation, there is nothing to choose from.
This is the problem with perfect habits
A strict habit is like always taking the same route to work. It creates security, stability – but also tunnel vision. In order to develop, we sometimes need to get lost.
We need:
- The unexpected call.
- The missed bus that leads to a walk.
- That course we signed up for on impulse.
- A random book on the bookshelf that changes our perspective.
When we only optimize our habits, we risk only reinforcing what we already are. It is safe, but is not necessarily the most effective development.
Randomized Atomic Habit – a method for random habit?
So how do we combine the power of habits with the creative potential of chance? Here is a suggestion:
1. Plan for the unplanned
Set aside a block each week where you will consciously do something you don’t usually do. Put it on your calendar as a “random pass.”
Examples:
- Go to a new part of town.
- Read the first chapter of a book you would never have chosen otherwise.
- Ask a colleague to recommend a new routine.
- Roll the dice to decide which exercise to do.
2. Random daily habit generator
Create a list of 6–10 micro habits you want to try (e.g. write 3 sentences, meditate for 1 minute, try a new breakfast, ask a colleague about their day). Draw a new one every day – either via an app or on paper.
It keeps your energy up. And you’ll quickly notice which new habits are actually making a difference.
3. Random combination
Take two existing habits and randomly combine them to create a new one. For example:
- “After I brush my teeth, I’ll say an affirmation I randomly picked.”
- “After lunch, I’ll do a random breathing exercise.”
It keeps the routine alive – and opens the door to the unexpected.
4. Reflect not only on what works – but what surprised
Every week: what was unexpected? What did you learn? What do you want to repeat? By expecting unexpected effects, you train your brain to seek new perspectives.
Randomness is not the opposite of discipline – it is its partner
This is not a revolt against Atomic Habits – it is a complement. Because in a world where more and more people are optimizing, randomness will be what sets us apart. Those who dare to let go of control sometimes, those who are curious, open – they will find more new ways to grow.
Think of it as the engine of evolution: structure chooses, but randomness creates what can be chosen from.
So the next time you get stuck in a habit that no longer feels developmental – let go of control. Draw a card. Roll a dice. Take a step in a new direction.
And see what happens.
