New Habits Are a Decision You Can Make
Personal or professional change is always a topic that invokes interest. Many people consider that they want to make a change, make a difference, or discover something new. Have you considered how new habits are about decisions you make?
Wanting New Habits
Someone will suggest that they want to get more exercise, read more books, or learn more about something they have always wanted to do. What is required to make this happen? The quick and easy response is change.
Your days are likely filled with activity. Depending on your work, your personal responsibilities, and your discipline (note discipline, not motivation) you can make a change. The question you may have to ask yourself is what will you give up?
Out with Old Habits
Old habits are hard to kick. Attraction to the path of least resistance is easier than the discipline required to make a change.
I want the chocolate cake is more desirable than I won’t eat the cake because of the outcomes that will follow.
Taking a little snooze while watching some television is easier than getting dressed in some workout gear and heading to the gym.
Having a nice cup of coffee and processing emails or joining in the office chat is easier than calling some clients to ask about the recent service you provided.
Sometimes we can this motivation, but it really is more about discipline.
Requirements
New habits require at least two things. They require you to give something up, and they require you to have the discipline to continue to do the new repetitively.
When I’m coaching people they often can’t see how they will make a change. Their day is full, their time is committed, and their energy and work to life balance is set. It makes me smile because that is exactly why we are talking. They need a change.
New Habits New Steps
Recognizing the need for change is the first step. Next, you have to consider what you will give up. Will it be the chocolate cake, the television snooze, or the smooth and easy flow of what you call the daily grind?
If you’ve decided you need a change. Identify what you’ll give up and commit to the discipline to stick to it.
New habits are possible but only when you decide.
– DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
