Are Your Daily Habits Causing You to Evolve or Revolve?

Habits. When hearing this word, most people automatically veer to the negative, thinking of things considered to be “bad” habits: smoking, over-eating, drinking, the list goes on. But there are also habits that are wonderful. In fact, the word habit is actually defined as a regular practice, especially one that is hard to give up.

Even the definition itself can seem to veer toward a habit as negative (something hard to give up), but today I want to focus on the reality that there are bad AND good habits. And more importantly, the ones you decide to instill in your life (good) or allow to infiltrate your life (the bad) will directly affect your answer when asked: How’s it going?

Are You Moving Forward, or in Circles?

Think about your daily life, the habits that mark your days, and ask yourself: Are these daily habits causing you to evolve or revolve? Are you moving forward or spinning your wheels and going in circles? Some habits may seem generally benign—or neutral—such as brushing your teeth. But think about if you didn’t do this one simple act daily? I’d wager a fair amount that you’d have very few teeth left, and your dentist’s pockets would be lined quite well from your patronage in no time!

I say this to highlight how vital even one seemingly small habit can be when neglected (the good). On the opposite side of the coin, this is also true for how much of a positive impact not doing even one small habit (a bad one) daily can create. For instance, over-eating .You can have encouraging results by simply cutting one overindulgence a day. From lower numbers on the scales to better-fitting clothes to greater energy and confidence, it’s incredible to think that eliminating one small “bad” habit can open the door to so much good.

Everything is Connected

Up to now, I have spoken mainly of daily habits that affect us more on a personal level versus a business level. But I strongly feel that it all ties together: When you are thriving and feeling healthy and fulfilled and on the ball in your personal life (physical health, emotional health, mental health, etc.), it inevitably impacts and spills into your professional life as well. And vice versa.

This gives you a lot to chew on. I by no means have it all figured out, and the examples above are just that—examples. People can drink, eat, smoke, and all kinds of things as their free right and prerogative (no judgment here!), but especially regarding professional habits, I do want to focus on these to conclude. 

Small infusions of “good” habits can revolutionize your work realm, and by extension, your whole life. Here are just a few things to try out to get you started:

·     Let’s nix the procrastination—try making a simple and realistic daily to-do list to keep you on track each day

·     Stop the office gossiping and criticizing—let’s lift each other up, not break each other down, and see how your co-workers respond

·     Quit the negative self-talk (extend that “no-criticizing” rule to your self and be stunned by the results)

Let’s move forward—no more circles.