Habits Empower - Unlocking Potential to Conquer the Chaos

The world of work has never been busier, the constant challenges seemingly converging from all directions. As leaders we have many pressures and responsibilities, however it is important to pause occasionally and acknowledge that we are people too. Our teams rely on us for consistent support, and it is vital to exemplify positive behaviours that foster good habits, prioritising our well-being so that our team may follow suit. So how do we manage this? How do we change habits to empower ourselves, that conquer the challenges and quieten the chaos? 

How habits operate 

Habits are created over time by consistently repeating the behaviour until it becomes automatic. Habits operate in response to an (internal or external) trigger which then motivates us to act. The reward that follows is the reinforcer that will encourage us to do it again next time. For example; starting a habit of walking during your lunch hour – your trigger might be a calendar reminder, the action gives you a physical and mental break and the reward is an endorphin hit that reinforces the brain that the particular loop is worth remembering. 

To create a habit, it is important to keep actions small, iterative and simple. Our brain likes simple, predictable and easy – for example, leaving the guitar out in plain sight when you’re learning to play. 

Habits or activities that are new are often uncomfortable, which generally means they are worth trying. When forming a new habit or activity our brain is busy creating new pathways, although our brains are also inherently lazy, it likes routine and to not think about everything at once. This resistance to change can cause initial resistance or reluctance to embrace the new habit fully. However, with persistence and repetition, the brain adapts and eventually integrates the new habit into its existing routines, making it more effortless and natural over time. By showing more vulnerability through trying something new, we may discover that the impact can be sizable. 

To reinforce and engrain a habit, we consciously perform the action and make deliberate decisions repeatedly until it becomes subconscious. Think of our brains as a map, with pathways created through our lifetime. We form new connections and solidify them as habits by repeating the same pathway, making it more prominent. Old habits resurface as they are deeply ingrained, so changing the pathway requires focused attention on the desired new habit. With time and attention, habits can be transformed until they are etched into our subconscious. We must identify habits that do not serve us well, potentially impacting us negatively, and consciously work to create the necessary changes. 

The Healthy Mind Platter from the Neuroleadership Institute is a key tool to help focus and refine habits that serve you well and create an optimal brain function, promoting overall well-being and cognitive performance.  

It is a visual reminder identifying seven essential mental activities that contribute to maintaining a healthy and balanced mind and is activated by spending just 20 minutes forming a habit for each in each of these areas. It is about finding what you need, what gives you joy, what fills your cup and creating a habit from this. We are talking less mindlessness and more active mindfulness. 

Why should we prioritise focusing on a habit? 

The critical element of a habit loop lies in its stickiness – the compelling force that drives us to do what is necessary. It must be enticing and rewarding, serving as a constant reminder during challenging times to be successful. Consider the example of quitting smoking: while addiction is a significant factor, there are also ingrained habits associated with it. External pressures to stop alone are often ineffective; we require a definitive reason that resonates emotionally and holds personal significance. Our motivation to change must be strong enough to endure tough moments. Once we grasp the "why," we must identify the "what" – the specific actions needed to establish or break the habit. 

To reinforce the habit, consider tools such as accountability, coaching, or support from colleagues. Writing down or sharing our commitment can also be helpful in solidifying the habit's foundation. 

Cultivating empowering habits is the key to unlocking our true potential and conquering the chaos that life often presents. By intentionally focusing on habits that serve us well and align with our goals, we pave the way for personal growth and success. These habits act as powerful tools, enabling us to navigate challenges with resilience, maintain focus, and foster a healthy balance and purpose. So, let’s focus on the healthy platter tool as a goal and commit to the journey of habit-building. Let’s unlock a world of possibilities and transform chaos into triumph.