How to Change a Habit That is Hurting You – Recap and Next Steps

 

Growth is often preceded by discomfort – when it becomes apparent that a change is needed… one that you have the power to make. Yes, there are five steps, but the process is nonlinear and iterative, meaning you can jump in anywhere.

Here’s a review of the five steps I’ve posted about over the last few weeks:

(1)  Make a decision, a declaration and a commitment to yourself.

(2)  Surround yourself with reminders of what you are moving toward.

(3)  Notice how often you engage in the undesired behavior and what the impact is when you do.

(4)  Examine and challenge your assumptions.

(5)  Envision and practice a new way of doing things.

Sometimes you’ll be at step three for a while, noticing how often you’re falling into old patterns (and experiencing the pain of them) before you’re ready to move to step one, making a commitment to change.

Sometimes steps happen simultaneously ­- like when you reflect on your behavior (step three) and envision what you could do differently next time (step five).

And often when you begin figuring out what new habit you’d like to replace your old one with (step five), you begin to become aware of limiting assumptions you can challenge (step four).

This non-linear, iterative process is something that is fueled by insight.

And insight is developed through reflecting on your experiences with the intention of achieving a better outcome (and process). Whenever you endeavor to make a change, a question is launched into the ethers about what you need to do next. The answers come in the form of insight.

Insights often land when you’re doing something that gets you out of your head, like taking a shower, driving, playing ball with your kid or your dog, listening to music, gardening – whatever allows you to zoom out and allow your mind to do what it will.

Most executives are so busy running from one thing to another that they overlook the importance of slowing down and creating space for these insights to land. They often unintentionally perpetuate patterns of behavior keep them from the very results they’re working so hard to create.

You can interrupt that vicious cycle and accelerate your progress by working with a coach.

Engaging in executive coaching will not only help you get clear on your desired results and create a path to achieve them but also assist you in identifying and removing obstacles you may not even be aware of. The process of coaching helps you stay accountable to yourself while being supported through change that can be uncomfortable.

Coaching can take place via a one-on-one engagement and can be enhanced with curriculum-based programs that introduce you to tools and approaches that will expedite your process. If you’re interested in exploring what form of support would be the best fit for you, message me.

Here’s to your continued success!

Diane