Habits go hand in hand with success. But, where good habits propel you forward, bad habits hold you. A habit is a routine that helps you simplify your life. Here are three bad habits that are easy to slip into and some suggestions for how to get over them.
1. Uncertainty
Even the most self-confident people are plagued by bouts of self-doubt. Self-doubt often makes you rationalise a situation to fit your emotional state. You may be afraid to fail, afraid to look bad, afraid to take on more than you think you can handle. However, self-awareness can be one of your most powerful personal development tools for building self-esteem and confidence.
What can you do?
Here are five steps you can take to increase your self-confidence
- Body language – smile, stand tall and look people in the eye
- Think positively – replace negative thoughts
- Be prepared
- Don’t give up. There is a solution to everything
- Commit yourself to success
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Ryun
2. Procrastination
Putting off any tasks in your business can set you up for failure. It can mean missed deadlines, wasted opportunities and lost customers. Why do you procrastinate? The common reasons are fear, burnout, task complexity, emotions, distraction or lack of skills.
What can you do?
Here are five steps to help cut down your procrastination:
- Clarify why the task is important?
- Break down big tasks into manageable chunks
- Name your task and put a realistic deadline on it
- Remove distractions and create an environment where you can focus
- Reward yourself when you achieve your goals
“Change might not be fast and it isn’t always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped.” – Charles Duhigg
3. Complaining
What do you do if you have a problem? Do you find someone to complain to? Do you mask it all under the disguise of “being honest” instead of calling it what it really is, unproductive grumbling? We all have bad days, maybe even challenging weeks. Know you are not alone. Take a step back and make a plan to bounce back and regain control. There is great power in the overcoming of obstacles.
What can you do?
Here are five things to think about changing to improve your perspective:
- Pick your battles
- Traded your sigh in for a smile
- See the glass is half full rather than half empty
- Be a fixer – what can you do to make a difference?
- Get over it and get on with it
Habits aren’t destiny. They can be ignored, changed or replaced
If you recognise any of these above habits in your business, it’s time to take action. However, changing a habit isn’t easy. Habits are created to provide a benefit. The aim is not to eliminate a habit but replace it with a new habit that provides a similar benefit. Ask yourself, do you really want it? Identify the benefit, clarify why you need this, break it down into realistic goals and actions then get to it.
