Good habits are like driving a new car. Everything runs smoothly and feels in sync. You get to your destination efficiently and in style. You make a great first impression as you pull up.
On the other hand, a bad habit is like driving an old clunker. Everything has duct tape holding it together. You arrive late and must put yourself back together. You quietly hide and park far away not to be seen.
In business good habits elevate and bad habits become major pitfalls. Here are some ways to develop good habits and overcome bad ones:
- Just like in a map, “X” marks your destination. You need to write down the habit you want to develop. This is the big “X” on your map. Post your goal big and put it somewhere you’ll see it every day. Read it aloud every time you pass it.
- You must see yourself achieving your goal. Schedule a few minutes several times a day to imagine, visualize going through the process, and succeeding.
- Keep starting over if necessary. Consider previous tries to be warm ups, and don’t give up.
- Break your goal down into smaller and achievable steps.
- Create a mantra. Say it over and over again while engaging in the challenge.
- Partner with someone who can be your cheerleader, and help each other develop good habits or overcome bad ones.
- The biggest key is to do it for 30 days. Mark each day on your calendar and the action will become a habit.
- Create a certificate/diploma of achievement, frame it, and hang it in your office to remind yourself that you’re growing and succeeding.
It’s time for you to trade in your old habits that don’t work for new ones that elevate your business. Businesses have a lot of systems in place to create efficiency and results. This is a system that you can rely on as part of your professional development.
Do you think this process can help you? What tip would you like to add? We would like to hear your thoughts in the comments.