Today on Steph’s Shift Show, Steph explores why being unpredictable is one of the most powerful ways to improve your mood, sharpen your mind, increase motivation, and spark joy in your everyday life.
Using fascinating research from Stanford University, Nature Neuroscience, Cornell University, and the Journal of Experimental Psychology, Steph breaks down how novelty and unpredictability:
Boost dopamine & norepinephrine


Enhance focus and motivation


Stimulate your hippocampus for better memory


Improve cognitive flexibility by 60%


Expand creativity and divergent thinking


Increase adaptability and performance (hello, Chiefs trick plays!)


Steph also shares a personal moment from playing pickleball, where her “unpredictable shots” actually challenged the other players and made everyone better. Because unpredictability wakes up the brain — both yours, and the people around you.
Most people live in loops: same food, same routines, same routes, same clothes, same choices. Predictability is safe… but unpredictable behavior is what keeps life vibrant.
This episode encourages you to hold both:
predictability for comfort — unpredictability for growth.
You'll leave with one big question to guide your week:
“How can I surprise myself today?”
A short, fun, energizing episode designed to give you small shifts that create big impact.
Peace in, peeps.