Starting a new habit may be one of the harder leadership challenges but perhaps one of the most important. Learning how to start a positive habit is key to being able to follow through in doing the things you want to do to thrive and feel fulfilled. As James Clear writes in his book, Atomic Habits, it really is all about starting the action that makes sure you get to the finish line.
Three Steps to Start a New Habit
First and foremost, positivity is the key because we are more likely to respond to it than if we associate a habit with something negative. One way to do this, even if the habit is something we do not want to do, is to reframe it or pair it with a reward system.
Let’s take exercising for example. This isn’t something I really want to do but I do recognize that I love the feeling of having exercised. Also, as an anxiety sufferer, I believe it helps tremendously to clear my mind and thus becomes fuel necessary for my writing.
Instead of telling myself I am going to exercise four days this week, which seems really daunting, I take it one day at a time and instead tell myself, “I can’t wait to have the feeling of having exercised today.” This is much better than loathing over the pain I will feel during the actual act of cardio.
Second, I set a time beforehand to put on my shoes. If I put on my shoes at 7 AM I will complete the act of exercising. Scheduling the act takes the option of doing it off the table. I will now run at 7 AM. The trigger action of putting on my shoes means I will be very likely to start, and thus complete the action.
Third, I pair the act that I don’t want to do with a reward. Yes I want to feel better after exercising, but I can sweeten the pot by telling myself that I can listen to my favorite podcasts only when I exercise. This allows me to do something I enjoy while exercising.
Allow Yourself to Take Something off the Table
One problem with putting more things on our plate is that we tend to never take anything off. Habits are like contracts you make with yourself. Some contracts are great and should be kept, others lose value over time. Others are actually getting in the way of the things that you really want to pursue.
RELATED ARTICLE: Identify Your Time Sinks to Increase Productivity
It can help when starting a new habit to do an evaluation of other things in your life and allow yourself to stop doing something else that is no longer productive or is acting as a barrier to the person you want to be today. This can help free up time or with the feeling of overwhelm that often comes with adding on something else to your life.
Employ these tips to start a new habit this week. Keep it small, keep it achievable, and see what happens!
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Learning about Emotional Intelligence is one thing, practicing it is quite another. Just like going to the gym can help you level up your physical state, these short, actionable challenges will help you upgrade your mental and social well being.
