Marketing Dopamine • October 22, 2026
Change Is Easier Together
Most of the patterns I have written about this month are easy to understand and hard to change.
The new tool feeling. The next idea. The busy calendar. Taking a setback personally. Recognizing them is the first step. Actually doing something different, day after day, is a different challenge entirely.
I know this from my own experience. When I committed to writing every day, it was not willpower that kept me going.
It was knowing that people were reading.
Accountability turns good intentions into consistent action.
Change sticks more easily when someone else is paying attention. Not watching critically, but walking alongside. A group of people working toward similar goals creates a kind of gentle pressure that is hard to find on your own. You show up because they are showing up.
It also makes the work less lonely. Building a business can be isolating, especially when you are the one making every decision. Hearing someone else describe the same struggle you thought was yours alone is a relief, and often a breakthrough.
That is why I believe the most meaningful progress rarely happens in isolation.
You can change on your own. It is just easier, and more enjoyable, with company.
If you have recognized yourself in these posts, consider who you might work through them with.
Lisa Carmichael is the author of The Marketing Dopamine Workbook: From Awareness to Action, available now, a companion to her book Marketing Dopamine: What Your Brain Is Really Doing When You Think You’re Building a Business, coming soon. Learn more at marketingdopamine.com
I never thought about change this way! I usually do everything myself just because I need a change. I usually don’t have anyone with me while I’m making a change. But when you said “change sticks more easily when someone else is paying attention” it hit me. When I change things around or do my gardening I get so many people noticing and complementing on my changes. It’s not so much of having someone with me when I’m doing a project, it’s the after affect. That must be why I feel so much better when my counters are neat and orderly when I have visitors, they always mention that!
I love how you connected this to your gardening and home projects! You’re right, accountability doesn’t always mean having someone there while we’re doing the work. Sometimes it’s simply having someone notice and appreciate what we’ve accomplished. A little recognition can go a long way in keeping us motivated. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
For many people, having willpower is easier said than done. I appreciate your thoughts. And yes, I agree that making a change is easier together.
So true! Willpower alone isn’t always enough, especially when life gets busy. Having people who encourage us and hold us accountable can make such a difference. Sometimes knowing we’re not doing it alone is just the motivation we need. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa, this is the whole reason I keep running the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Writing every day is hard to do alone. It gets a lot easier when you know others are reading and showing up too. I’m glad you’re part of the group this month.
Thank you for continuing to bring this community together! I think what makes the challenge so special is that it’s not just about writing every day. It’s the relationships we build, the stories we share, and the encouragement we give one another. I’m glad to be part of it!
I’m always motivated by having to be accountable to someone or something. The Ultimate Blog Challenge keeps me motivated because, like you, I know people are reading, and once I say I’m going to do something It makes me more accountable.
I can relate to that! There’s something about making a commitment to others that helps us follow through, especially on days when motivation is lacking. I’ve found that the Ultimate Blog Challenge is about more than just writing every day. It’s also about the connections and encouragement we find along the way. Thanks for sharing!