Unlearn Bad Habits: Why Letting Go Is the First Step Toward Powerful Change

You’ve probably sat through them—slide decks that resemble corporate policy manuals, slides bulging with seven-point lists and faded clip art. Maybe you even make them yourself, using the default templates and 'safe' formats you learned from work. But that’s the history talking—the habits we get handed from the PowerPoint generation. The moment you notice this rut is the moment you can begin something different. One afternoon, after another soul-numbing meeting, you jot down the unwritten rules you've been following: 'More slides means more credibility.' 'Every fact needs to be on the slide.' You catch yourself, realizing these guidelines rarely lead to memorable moments.

Inspired by a TED talk that used photos and stories rather than bullet points, you start to question these routines. Why not unlearn the habit of packing in every detail? Why not borrow from film, comics, or even your favorite teacher’s style instead? You nervously test the waters at your next team update. Your hands shake as you share a slide—a single, striking image with just one phrase. The room feels different—some eyebrows raise, no one reaches for their phones. Afterward, a teammate mentions they actually remember your main point.

This new approach isn’t about following someone else’s rules, but about letting go of inherited habits that never really worked for your audience, or for you. Unlearning means choosing fresh, untested ways, even if they feel risky at first. The shift is internal, too—you start to feel lighter, more creative, less afraid to disappoint. The neuroscience backs this up: habitual thinking preserves energy but stifles innovation. Breaking out takes conscious effort, feedback, and a willingness to discard what no longer serves you or your goals.

It’s not about being an expert or copying the latest trend, but about giving yourself permission to try, fail, and discover newer, better ways. The next time you default to old habits, ask: What if I did the opposite?

Grab a notebook and begin by listing the 'rules' you automatically follow when building a presentation. Take time to honestly judge whether those habits bring clarity or just add clutter and stress. Choose one old routine—maybe it’s defaulting to heavy text or always following the same template—and swap it for a storytelling or visual technique from another field. Try this at your next opportunity, and have someone you trust give you feedback afterward. Notice if the shift leaves you feeling more engaged, less burdened, and whether your audience reacts differently—this time, keep your eyes open to what might be possible if you keep challenging assumptions.