Train Tracks and Habits Have Much In Common
How are your habits similar to train tracks? The answer may be easier than you think.
Much of what you do each day is derived from your habits. Habits built around a schedule, the food you’ll eat, and even how you’ll communicate.
By default, most people look for the easy road. I’m certainly not suggesting they are lazy. I’m suggesting that people are wired to look for efficiency and effectiveness.
If you drive an automobile to work, what route do you take? Where do you stop for fuel or coffee? Chances are, you have some habits connected with this behavior.
The same is true in your household. How you clean, do laundry, or prepare meals. Largely, it is probably based on traditions or habits.
The work that you do, or the baseline competencies for your career are largely structured around habits. You know them to be effective or perhaps the most convenient.
Train Tracks
Prior to the explosion of the automobile, trains ruled.
The rails will carry a heavy load, they are largely consistent and you know exactly what to expect and when.
One problem is, trains operate on a fixed route. If the tracks are blocked, you’re stuck or stranded. If the train doesn’t move, there are not good options. You can’t effectively detour.
People tend to get on fixed routes too. Their tracks are built to follow the rails of a particular path.
It is a habit.
Luckily, there are other choices, should you choose to take them. You can easily re-route or change your path and direction. You can take new turns, double-back to reposition, speed up, and avoid roadblocks.
Do you want to? Do you need to?
Some habits are good and desirable, others, not so much. You may want to be selective on the tracks that you choose, or even which side of them you exist on.
Full steam ahead.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
