“Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character and on our character, we build our destiny.” -Henry Hancock
Are negative habits holding you back?
In the words of Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Watch the video to master the secret of successful habit formation!
What are Habits?
Habits are routine behaviours done regularly. They are your automatic way of being. Unconscious patterns of behaviour acquired through frequent repetition. Most of your habits are learned however you perform them unconsciously.
We become known for what we habitually do. As a result, your habits will determine your future and will most often determine the results you are able to create. The power in this is you can change the direction of your life just by changing your habits. Successful habits create positive rewards, while negative or undesirable habits generate negative consequences.
Here are 3 simple steps you can use to adjust your habits to create the success you are seeking in your life:
1- IDENTIFY the habits you want to change!
Take a moment to list the habits you desire to change. This may require bringing what is usually unconscious to your awareness.
2- EXAMINE the cause!
It’s important to understand what function the undesired habit is serving. Does it relieve boredom or lessen your stress level? This will give you a good idea and insight into how to switch it up for a healthier behaviour.
3- REPLACE the undesired habit with a habit that moves you toward the outcome you desire!
It’s impossible to eliminate any negative behaviour without replacing it with some other behaviour. Consciously choosing to stop doing the habit you no longer desire won’t make it disappear. Remember it is an automatic way of being, possibly a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, anger, or loneliness. These feelings are most often stronger than willpower alone. You must fill the space that was once occupied by bad habits with new habits. Success is created by replacing the habit that is moving you away from your goals with a productive forward-moving habit.
Want support examining your habits? Register for our FREE Leading With Character Book Study today!