Things We Grow to Love: Lifestyle Products That Changed Our Minds
Lifestyle products often surprise us, gradually becoming indispensable parts of our daily routines. This article explores six items that have won over skeptics and transformed lives in unexpected ways. Drawing on expert insights and real-world experiences, we uncover how these products have shifted from novelties to necessities.
- Standing Desk Transforms Work Rhythm
- Weighted Blanket Eases Stress Gradually
- Vinyl Flooring Surpasses Initial Skepticism
- Smart Home Devices Enhance Daily Living
- AirTags Provide Unexpected Peace of Mind
- Apple Watch Becomes Essential Health Companion
Standing Desk Transforms Work Rhythm
One lifestyle product I initially disliked but have come to genuinely appreciate is the standing desk.
When I first tried it, it felt performative, like something people used to look productive, not be productive. I’d try standing for 15 minutes, get distracted, sit down again, and wonder what the hype was about. It felt uncomfortable, inconvenient, and unnecessary. But the turning point came when I committed to scheduled standing blocks during deep-focus work, especially during code reviews or strategy planning where I needed full cognitive focus.
What changed my perception was realizing that standing shifted my mental tempo. It made me less prone to mental fatigue, less likely to open random tabs, and more physically alert during calls and debugging sessions. Pairing it with a balance mat and setting clear intervals (30 minutes standing, 60 minutes sitting) made it sustainable.
Now, it’s part of my daily rhythm. I use it to reboot focus, especially in the afternoon slump. I don’t treat it as an all-day thing; I treat it as a tactical shift that supports energy, posture, and clarity when it matters most. It went from a novelty to a productivity multiplier.
Shishir Dubey
Founder & CEO, Chrome QA Lab
Weighted Blanket Eases Stress Gradually
One product I initially disliked but slowly grew to appreciate over time is my weighted blanket. At first, I found it a bit too heavy and restrictive – honestly more uncomfortable than calming. But after giving it a proper chance during a particularly stressful period, everything shifted.
What changed my perception was learning to use it gradually – starting with just 15-20 minutes during a wind-down routine rather than overnight straight away. Over time, I began to notice how much it helped ease anxiety and signal to my body that it was time to slow down.
Now it’s a go-to for deeper rest on restless nights or just when I need grounding after a long day. I used to think it was just a trend, but the sense of calm and security it offers is something I now really value.
Peter Wootton
Co-Founder, Olivia Croft
Vinyl Flooring Surpasses Initial Skepticism
Luxury vinyl plank flooring – I was honestly skeptical when it first gained popularity. As someone who had always preferred authentic hardwood, the early vinyl products felt cheap and obviously fake. But the technology has advanced dramatically, and I’ve completely changed my opinion after seeing how it performs in real homes. The waterproof qualities make it perfect for busy families, and the latest collections are virtually indistinguishable from real wood. I now recommend it frequently, especially for basements, kitchens, and homes with pets. Sometimes being wrong about a product teaches you to stay open-minded about innovation.
Dan Grigin
Founder & General Manager, Elephant Floors
Smart Home Devices Enhance Daily Living
Initially, I disliked smart home devices, finding them overly complicated and intrusive. However, my perception changed when I experienced their convenience firsthand. The ability to control lighting, temperature, and security systems remotely transformed my daily routine. I now appreciate the energy efficiency and enhanced security features they offer. The integration with voice assistants has made managing my home effortless, allowing for a more comfortable living environment. Additionally, I recognise the potential for increased accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. Embracing technology has improved my quality of life, demonstrating that initial scepticism can give way to genuine appreciation as we adapt to new innovations.
Dhari Alabdulhadi
CTO and Founder, Ubuy Qatar
AirTags Provide Unexpected Peace of Mind
One product I initially disliked was the Apple AirTag. I don’t even know why I disliked it at first – I think I just assumed that it was a pointless type of product. Fast forward to today, and now I have a handful of them. I use them for various reasons, like tracking my wallet and car, and you won’t catch me flying without having one in my suitcase. Being able to track my items gives me so much peace of mind.
Steve Schwab
CEO, Casago
Apple Watch Becomes Essential Health Companion
Years ago, I was initially hesitant about Apple Watches. To me, they just seemed a bit pointless, because why get a watch when you already have a phone that does basically all the same stuff? Now, however, I have been converted and wear my Apple Watch every day. It has become a staple for my health and fitness, and I like that I very rarely have to take it off because of how water-resistant the newer models are.
Jeremy Yamaguchi
CEO, Cabana
