Habitual Power Play: Unveiling the Dual Nature of Habits – Boosting Success and Blocking Growth

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we are unveiling the dual nature of habits. How habits can boost your success or block your growth. What is your habitual power play? Striking a balance and cultivating self-awareness can help you leverage the positive aspects of your habits while addressing those that may be holding you back. Let’s face it, we all have habits and routines that guide us throughout our lives. But let’s be clear: A habit is a behavior done with little or no thought, while a routine is a series of actions regularly followed. Both can straighten out the twists and curves of a day or leave us in a mindless rut…the line can be very thin.  While habits can be powerful tools for success, it's essential to be mindful of negative habits that may hinder progress.

Who doesn’t love a good morning shower brainstorm? This would be a routine that I see as beneficial. Warm water and a mindless routine that provides a distraction-free meeting of the mind. Now….if you could just take notes that would be super helpful. I usually have endless great ideas that I can hardly remember after the toweling-off process.  What about you? Do you have a morning routine that you relish? Sugar-free vanilla or better yet, pumpkin spice creamer would be the habit that isn’t contributing in a positive way. 

As we proceed, think about your daily routines and habits to explore what might need further evaluation.

Over at CNBC Make It I found some popular thoughts to get us started: Your key to success, says attention expert: The difference between ‘habits’ and ‘routines’

Anne-Laure Le Cunff helps with tips on how to Design Better Habits, Routines, and Rituals with the Intentionality Curve found at nesslabs.com

Stephen Altrogg provides 12 morning and evening routines that will set up each day for success found at zapier.com

Habits, while often beneficial, can also pose challenges and hinder personal growth in various ways. Here are some ways in which habits can block growth:

1. Comfort Zone Trap: Habits create comfort, and when they become too ingrained, they can create a comfort zone that resists change. Growth often requires stepping out of this zone and embracing new challenges.
2. Resistance to Change: Habits resist change by their very nature. When growth necessitates adapting to new circumstances or acquiring new skills, rigid habits may hinder the flexibility needed for personal development.
3. Negative Habits: Unhealthy or counterproductive habits can have detrimental effects on personal growth. Habits such as procrastination, self-doubt, or excessive self-criticism can impede progress and hinder the pursuit of goals.
4. Stagnation: Habits, if not regularly reassessed, can lead to a sense of stagnation. Growth requires a continuous process of learning, adapting, and evolving, which may be hindered by sticking to the same routines.
5. Limiting Beliefs: Habits can reinforce limiting beliefs about one's capabilities. If habits are formed based on past experiences or self-perceptions, they may create barriers to exploring new possibilities and realizing untapped potential.
6. Lack of Exploration: Being too tied to existing habits might prevent individuals from exploring new interests, industries, or perspectives. Growth often involves stepping into the unknown and embracing unfamiliar experiences.
7. Mindless Habits: Engaging in habits mindlessly without reflection can lead to missed opportunities for growth. Being unaware of the impact of habits on personal development may result in missed chances for improvement.
8. Failure to Adapt: In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is a crucial trait for growth. Habits that resist change may hinder an individual's ability to adapt to new circumstances and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

CHALLENGE: Regularly assess and adjust your habits, especially when pursuing personal or professional growth. Remember, developing a growth mindset means being open to change, and consciously cultivating habits that align with your growth objectives. 

 

I Know YOU Can Do It!