As human beings we are creatures of habit and have a number of conscious and subconscious mechanisms that we use to reinforce the habitual nature of our behaviour – all of which makes changing habits a difficult process. Indeed, many of our coaching assignments involve discussions about how to change habits to enhance performance.
These conversations typically peak around this time of year as people make New Year Resolutions, which are a great way of articulating the difference we want to see. Yet research shows that something like 90% of New Year Resolutions never see February.
This high failure rate applies to personal and business resolutions alike, and we typically use a range of rationalisations to make not delivering our commitments ok. You may well have heard yourself saying things like, “I’m too busy”, or “It’s not the right time – I’ll do this later in the year.”
The reality is that, whilst some of these rationalisations may be logical (and, from a given perspective, valid), they are in fact excuses.
If we want to change our performance levels, then we know that we need to do things differently which means changing our habitual patterns of behaviour. This can be difficult so firstly we need to acknowledge the difficulty and find ways to help us to create new habits and translate resolutions into reality.
Focus on the things you can control
When we make commitments to change things that are within our control, research and experience consistently prove that we are more effective, more focused and more likely to be successful.
Recognising that we have agency to make changes is a powerful motivator and means that we take personal accountability and ownership without resorting to blaming external factors.
When making resolutions or commitments to change, focus on the things you can control. This will help you to make changes that are achievable and where the outcome directly depends on your decisions and actions. You choose how to prioritise your time, so you have all the personal ownership and accountability that you need to be successful.
Choose small steps rather than huge leaps
Trying to change too much at the same time can be a daunting task and one which is very difficult to see through to an effective conclusion. Instead choose smaller steps and focus on these.
Smaller step changes are easier to manage, and we tend to get evidence of success far more quickly which amplifies our motivation to continue. If you are focused on making significant changes then break these down into smaller units and deal with them sequentially so that you have evidence of success on an ongoing basis.
Focus on your achievements rather than on the changes you have yet to make and you will find that your positive mindset is reinforced with measurable feedback, and you will additionally find yourself energised to keep going to achieve the next incremental milestone.
Say it out loud
Goal setting theory identifies that when we say our goals out loud, even to ourself, we tend to focus with greater commitment and energy. The articulation of our goals makes them more tangible and heightens our sense of ownership.
Saying your goals out loud solidifies your intent from a logical perspective but also heightens your emotional connectivity and commitment to the outcome that you are seeking to achieve.
Similarly celebrate your achievements out loud – recognise what you have done, the changes you have made and the outcomes you have achieved. Focusing on the value of the changes triggers a self-reinforcing mindset that will spur you on to the next milestone.
Evaluate and celebrate
Measuring how you are doing is critically important as it shows progress and allows you to recognise that the changes you are making are becoming new habits. Do this on an ongoing basis so you are measuring change as it happens rather than waiting to the end. break the change down into bite-sized pieces.
Evaluate both the action and the outcome – have you done what you have committed to do and did this result in the outcome you intended? If not, change what you are doing, quickly. If yes, then take time to celebrate.
The act of celebration is a fantastic rewarding and reinforcing process that encourages you to persist in making this change a new habit. Acknowledge what you have achieved and reward yourself to make the celebration ore emotionally impactful which in turn will provide additional motivation to continue.
Engage others
We live and work within a social framework and if we do not engage with others then their habitual behaviours are likely to pull us back to behave the way we used to. Conversely, the social support provided by friends and colleagues helping you on the journey of change is very motivational and will inspire you to keep going.
Talk to friends and colleagues, tell them what you are doing and why and enrol their support. You will find that the feedback they provide will be enlightening, insightful and motivating in equal measure.
Engaging friends and colleagues in the collaborative journey of change ensures that you are working within a network that provides support, feedback and motivation. Just what you need to change a habit.
There are, of course, many other things we can do to enhance our ability to change our mindset, our behaviours and our habits as a person, or to support others to do so as a leader. Do please get in touch if you would like to discuss this further with practical and proven tactics and approaches.