What Influences Our Own Behaviours & Actions?

Firstly, a huge thank you to Lorena Acosta as it was a recent post of hers on LinkedIn which inspired me to write about what drives our own behaviours and actions and how technology and other factors have impacted on them, how one might recognise them and ways in which one can limit their influence.

Besides our passion and purpose, Lorena wrote that “as human beings, we are all driven by a basic need for meaning, happiness, human connectedness and a desire to contribute positively to others” which I believe in general, is innately part of our DNA.

I think we all start out with great intentions as a force for good but unfortunately, along the journey, many of us lose our way. There are a myriad of potential reasons that can be explored but I feel that it all starts with one! “Compromises!“ – Being that we now live in a world where Instant Gratification is an expected outcome from transactions (whether they be financial, emotional, physical…….), when this can’t be achieved, we find ourselves open to accepting something of lesser value!

In addition, many people are finding it difficult to stay focussed and true to themselves with so many distractions in today’s high tech world. I recently read that on a daily basis, the average person is exposed to 34GB of Data! An accumulation containing many mixed messages from a multitude of digital platforms which influence ones perspective, values and beliefs making it a challenge to stay true to ones purpose and follow it with passion.

Here are a few of my own thoughts as to what is responsible and how it is tearing apart the very fabric of our values, families, communities and society which I feel are a massive influence on our self worth, mental health and general well being!

Instant Gratification – I touched on this earlier and even wrote a separate article which I published on LinkedIn a few months ago titled “Easy or Hard Option – Which would you choose?” - In essence, we appear to be somewhat addicted to Instant Gratification – It started back in the 60’s/70’s with credit cards, microwave ovens, fast food and has moved rapidly to today where mobile phones, internet, social media and a cocktail of drugs (both illicit and prescription) now provide us with a high % of our daily fix. A lack of patience is clearly visible from many social problems our society is now afflicted by.

Technology – Has a great deal to do with providing us with our fix of Instant Gratification and none more so than Social Media which in my eyes, has one of the biggest influences to ones own self worth. Personally, I know I get a buzz when I make a comment that resonates with many people and it receives lots of likes and acknowledgement….It's easy to fall into the trap and start comparing myself to others where the self talk can go into overdrive with phrases like “How come that person……….?”

Commitment – With over 50% of marriages ending in Divorce these days, wedding vows which are one of lifes biggest commitments next to having children have been compromised! What ever happened to the meaning of the words “…for better or worse…..”? There appears to be a hidden Caveat!

Loyalty – Let’s view this from a company and business perspective. My father who is 87 this year grew up in times where when you worked for a company, they took care of you and your family, supported you, respected and valued your contributions. Things were made to last and were of high quality materials and workmanship! Fast forward to today and it’s a vastly different story. There is very little loyalty today. Companies are getting their “P”s out of whack by allowing their Profit objectives to supersede Purpose in their Priorities. Many look for cheaper ways to do things and in doing so, compromise the quality of the product or service they offer.

With great leadership, when a company makes it a priority to “Take care of its People 1st” , then those people will take care of creating the Profits!

So how does one limit the influence of all of this on ourselves? Stop Compromising would be a good place to start!

If you have any of your own thoughts on this or anything you would like to add, I’d love for you to leave them in the comments section but for me, that’s another article I feel for when I have more time.

In closing, a good question you could choose to ask yourself is  “Do you control your mind….. or do you allow your mind to control you?”