“Our habits govern our lives, literally.”

Happy Thursday!

I know that last month we officially entered into Fall, but this week we officially entered into the fourth quarter of 2023.  Not sure where the year went, but these next three months are critical to end 2023 strong.  

Sharing a picture of a favorite quote of mine that has long been hung on my office wall:  "Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go." - unknown  

While you don't need to wait until Autumn, it is a good reminder to let go of the things that are weighing you down.  Anger, comparison, resentment, jealousy, possessions, and even grief can make you feel heavy with burden.  Let's walk into Autumn with our colors rich and vibrant and leave behind anything that does not serve a purpose of goodness in our lives.  slightly smiling face

This upcoming Monday, the United States will be celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  An important day for Americans as it recognizes the communities that lived in the Americas for thousands of years.  President Biden said this about this year’s celebration, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is intended to “honor the sovereignty, resilience and immense contributions that Native Americans have made to the world.”  He then shared the need to continue to help lift tribal communities, be advocates for their right to vote and help with access to opportunities. 

“Our habits govern our lives, literally.” 

Agree or disagree, that is the premise behind a Harvard Business Review article called "What Does It Really Take to Build a New Habit?" By Kristi DePaul. 

Research shows that about half of our daily actions and behaviors are driven by repetition.

If habits – good or bad – are driving our daily actions, then it is important that we address them as part of our self-improvement plan.  Don’t you agree?

Think about habits you have around basic things like:

• what time do you go to bed
• how often you exercise
• what you choose to eat
• your practice of mindfulness
• your meeting (or not meeting) of deadlines
• your organization skills
• what time management practices you have in place

These practices if done well and regularly, can improve work, relationships, and mental health according to the research.

I imagine, like me, you have identified areas that might benefit from improvement. 

As I think about exercise and diet, I always come back to the need for incremental change because despite Staple’s advertising there is NO easy button. 

What the article also taught me is that there is a difference between a habit and a routine. 

A habit is something we do without thinking.  A routine is something we commit to.  And, the good news is routines if they are regularly performed can evolve into habits. 

Much like Fall is a season for change, I encourage you all to look at your habits determine where improvement is needed, and commit to addressing it.  Either through building routines or acknowledgement that to evolve something needs to change.   Heck, I would also encourage you to add it to your development plan if it impacts your work life.

Happy Thursday all,

-srt 

REFERENCE:  

DePaul, Kristi.  February 2, 2021.  What Does It Really Take to Build a New Habit?  Harvard Business Review.  http://www.hbr.org.