The Colours of Change: When Colour Becomes a Catalyst of Transformation

When we launched the Colours of Change 10-day challenge as part of the book launch month, it wasn’t just an art experiment—it was an invitation to experience transformation through creativity. My book was born out of a similar process: nearly 300 days of daily art-making during the pandemic, a practice that profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth. I wondered—what if others could catch a glimpse of that experience? What shifts might unfold for them?

With that in mind, I invited a small group of attendees to join a 10-day art challenge, mirroring the structure I had followed. Eight of them took up the challenge, committing to creating and sharing one artwork a day within a private WhatsApp group. But there was a catch—no written feedback, no discussions, no analysis. The only form of interaction allowed was a simple emoji in response to each other's work.

What happened next was unexpectedly profound. A quiet yet deeply engaging space emerged. Without the pressure to explain or evaluate, everyone could simply create. The experience was both freeing and introspective. It was as if, through colors, each person found their own unspoken language of change.

Here’s a glimpse into what emerged from this experience—insights from everyone who took part, along with my own reflections and learnings.

Small Steps, Big Shifts

One of the most surprising takeaways was how something as small as a daily creative act could create meaningful change. Some participants shared that they had initially worried about finding time, yet the simple act of showing up each day—no matter how imperfectly—had a ripple effect.

“I didn’t think I could do all 10 days, but I just kept going. And now, I feel like I want to keep creating.”

Continuity Over Consistency

There was an unexpected lesson in letting go of rigid consistency. Life happened—some missed a day or two, but they came back voluntarily without guilt or self-judgment. Instead of focusing on maintaining a ‘perfect streak,’ they leaned into the idea that growth isn’t about never missing a step; it’s about staying engaged in the journey.

“I thought I had failed when I missed a day. But I realized this was never about being perfect—it was about returning to it with an open heart.”

Embracing Imperfection

Many of us faced moments of doubt, looking at our artwork and thinking,

“This doesn’t look right.”

But instead of discarding or redoing it, we learned to sit with the imperfections. One participant shared,

“I hated my artwork on Day 3. It looked like a mess. But after a while, I saw something in it—something real.”

That shift—from judgment to acceptance—was a powerful reminder that creativity (and life) isn’t about flawless execution, but honest expression.

Seeing the World Differently, in the Same World

Something else started happening too. People began noticing details they’d never paid attention to before—the way shadows played on the floor, the textures of their surroundings, the way colors blended in unexpected ways. One person put it beautifully:

“I didn’t just make art. I started 'seeing' differently.”

The practice of creating, even for just a few minutes a day, became a way to slow down and be more present to appreciate the beauty we often overlook.

The Unexpected Power of Community

At first, I thought this would be a quiet, personal challenge. But the WhatsApp group changed everything. It became more than a space to post our work—it turned into a space of encouragement, laughter, and shared reflections. Seeing each other’s progress, struggles, and breakthroughs made the experience richer.

“I didn’t realize how much I needed this space until I had it.”

Someone even joked, “It’s like we’re all in an invisible art retreat together, except without the pressure.”

The Second Cycle: A Shift in Perspective

After the first 10-day cycle, something unexpected happened—someone asked,

“Why don’t we do another round?”

And just like that, quite a few took up the second cycle challenge willingly. There must have been some magic in the process.

This time, the experience deepened. Some experimented with different techniques, while others noticed deeper emotional shifts. One person laughed about how their artwork looked like “a heap of dark colors” at first—only to later find hidden depth and meaning in it. Another saw their colors shifting from pastels to bold strokes, unknowingly mirroring a change in their mindset.

Knowing When to Move On

Interestingly, for some, the second round brought a different lesson—the realization that they were done.

“I thought I’d keep going, but something in me felt complete,” one person shared. “And instead of forcing myself, I decided to stop. And that felt good.”

There was something profound in that—the understanding that growth isn’t about pushing through for the sake of it, but knowing when to continue and when to let go.

A Personal Reflection

I, too, had my own internal shifts. At first, I felt an unspoken pressure to complete all 10 days—something I had unknowingly placed upon myself. But as I neared the end, I asked myself,

“Why am I holding on to the need to complete it?” “Does it serve my current needs, or does it serve the need to uphold the image of someone who had done it for 300 days?” ?

By Day 8 or 9, I realized the experience had already given me what I needed, just as it had during my 300-day journey. And that was enough. Letting go of the need to finish just for the sake of my ego, in itself, a freeing lesson.

Final Thoughts: Change in Every Stroke of Color

The Colours of Change challenge wasn’t just about producing art—it was about experiencing change in real time, on a piece of canvas. The struggle, the fulfillment, the learning, the letting go—it all unfolded through colors. And just like in life, we faced moments of uncertainty, making many conscious and unconscious decisions and adjustments along the way.

Color has a way of connecting us with our inner selves in ways words cannot. Through this process, we didn’t just create art; we mirrored our thoughts, emotions, and transformations onto the canvas. Embracing change isn’t always about grand, sweeping gestures. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet act of picking up a brush, making a mark, and seeing where it leads. This small act allows us to practice change and internalize it in our minds and muscles. Practicing it consistently over time makes us more ready for change in real life.

To everyone who participated—thank you for your courage and openness. Your reflections, your colors, and your stories made this journey what it was. And for those who are curious—perhaps it’s time to pick up some colors and see where they take you.

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