We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit. -Aristotle
I’ve been fascinated lately with the power of our habits. We all have them. The subconscious rituals we perform routinely without thinking. Transformational change hinges on our ability to recognize and shift our habits. Here’s the key linkage. Habits can’t shift without belief. Belief is only built co-actively, with others. I’ve been reading a just released book: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg Here are some thought-provoking excerpts:
How do habits change? We know that a habit cannot be eradicated–it must, instead be replaced. And we know that habits are most malleable when the Golden Rule of habit change is applied: If we keep the same cue and the same reward, a new routine can be inserted. But that’s not enough. For a habit to stay changed, people must believe change is possible. And most often, that belief only emerges with the help of a group.
Belief is essential, and it grows out of a communal experience, even if that community is only as large as two people.
from Chapter 3: The Golden Rule of Habit Change-Why Transformation Occurs
Another reason, of many, why investing in private coaching yields such strong return. You can’t create sustainable change simply by reading a book. You can’t create sustainable change by knowing what you need to do. There is transformative power in the accountability and connection orchestrated by a well-trained coach. The coaching relationship builds belief. This shifts your habits. Don’t waste another day circling around in your own head hoping you will figure things out. Time’s a wastin’!
