You might think that the proofreader overlooked something. But that's not the case. It was intentional. How many of you were surprised or bothered by this spelling? Could it be that this presentation prompted you to take a closer look? And/or would you have liked to change it immediately? Thinking further: What would happen if you looked at your old, ingrained habits in this way?
An advertising slogan on YouTube got us thinking. We don't want to keep these thoughts from you. Pay attention to the thoughts that the following text triggers in you:
"You know me. I'm the reason you let your alarm go off three times every morning before you get up. I'm the reason you turn on the shower five minutes early. I'm the reason you run to the kitchen every morning to make your espresso. I also make sure you go to the same bakery every day and buy the same pastries. That you're always late and have to run to catch the train. I tempt you to check your phone regularly to see the latest news."
I AM IN THE POWER OF HABIT!
Did you nod your head or feel caught out by one or more of these habits? Many of the things we do in our lives are automatic. This is very helpful. These familiar routines ensure that the variety of tasks that each day brings are organized. They also provide consistency and increase our productivity, as we no longer have to think about them too much.
In short: there are good habits that support us and habits that slow us down and hinder our growth. Let's take a look at a few good and a few bad habits.
Good habits are:
- Look right and left before crossing the street.
- write a to-do list in the evening
- shower in the morning to wake up
- First brush your teeth, then put on your shirt (blouse) and tie.
- Check the fuel gauge in the car
- Check your schedule
Bad habits are:
- set the alarm clock to ring three times before you get up
- Don't wait until people have gotten off the train.
- make destructive comments
- putting off unpleasant things
- complaining instead of taking action
- don't let others finish speaking – interrupt
What are your habits? Which ones help you progress? Which ones hold you back? Before you continue reading, I invite you to lay out two A4 sheets of paper in front of you. On the left sheet, write down your bad habits, and on the right sheet, write down your good habits.
What strikes you now? Or have you already read on?
You have probably discovered one or two bad habits that you would like to get rid of. Perhaps you have already tried and failed. Why is it so difficult to give up habits? In theory, it sounds so easy. All it takes is good will, a lot of discipline, and enough patience. Then you'll be rid of your bad habits. If it were that easy, why do we fail so often and torment ourselves with a guilty conscience?
My answer to this is as follows: Every habit serves a purpose or satisfies a need. For example, the need for attention: When you complain loudly in the long line at the checkout, you want attention. Another example: Are you familiar with people who always have to put in their two cents? These are people with the bad habit of constantly having to add their two cents to discussions. Behind this may be a need for recognition.
These habits fulfill an important purpose for you. That's why you don't give them up. However, if you recognize the underlying cause, you have the opportunity to maintain the need and break the bad habit.
Now you're probably thinking: That's all well and good, but how do I make sure it leads to success? And that I don't fail again? The most important thing is: You have to WANT it! Then I'll give you an idea of how you can break bad habits in six steps.
The first step: self-awareness
Become aware of your bad habits and find their benefits. An example from leadership practice: You are upset and disagree with a situation. You would like to say something about it, but your inner voice holds you back: "It won't do any good anyway." Or: "The last time I said something, he/she got abusive." The purpose of this bad habit is harmony. You don't want to get into conflicts.
Step two: Replace old habits with new ones
Consider how you can achieve the same goal in a different way. What other options are there for gaining attention and recognition? An example of demanding recognition: Ask someone you trust to give you feedback on your work or behavior. It is more effective to ask yourself how much you appreciate your own work or behavior.
Step three: Bring your head and your gut into harmony
Your head will tell you that it is right to break this habit. But your gut feeling tells you otherwise. A battle ensues between your head and your gut. Let's take the example from leadership practice of not saying anything. Now you pluck up all your courage and say something. Although your mind knows that it is the right thing to do, you will have a strange feeling in your gut. Most people fail at this stage and revert to their old habits. However, if you are aware that this phase will come, it will be easier for you to get through it. It's like drinking coffee without sugar for the first time. You don't like it at first. But over time, you get used to it.
Step Four: Accept Relapses
No one is perfect. Everyone who has ever changed something has also fallen back into old patterns. That's part of the process. So forgive yourself for the slip-up. Don't beat yourself up and keep going by reminding yourself of your decision and being aware of its benefits.
Step Five: Reflection
Remind yourself every day where and in what situations you have already succeeded and what benefits this has brought you.
Step Six: Transformation
Gradually, you will achieve further successes. Suddenly, you will realize that you no longer have to actively remember the change. Then the new habit will become automatic and you will have succeeded. You decide how you want to move forward in your life. Are you striving for a more contented life and want to gain greater self-confidence? Then start today by breaking one of your bad habits. We would be happy to help you with this in one of our executive seminars.
We wish you every success and all the best.
Image source:©Pixabay 1767892
