Good (and bad) habits can be built on this idea of behaviour hygiene.
For example
- I am wearing my comfortable trousers = I am relaxing.
- I am wearing a jacket and a fancy watch = I am a confident professional (and am not that nervous about making this presentation).
- I have taken off my glasses = I am taking a break.
- I have put on my glasses = I am ready to do work.
- I am putting on my trainers = I am going for a run.
Try this!
If you are struggling to get on with something, try choosing a place at home or work where that activity always happens. If you start studying at the far end of the dining table, whenever you sit in that seat your brain will be triggered into study-mode. You might not want to sit there to eat your dinner anymore but that’s ok if you’re getting all your homework done.
Uniforms exist for a reason and uniforms can work for you; you wouldn’t go running in your pyjamas and you might not relax in a suit. If you need to make a difficult call try putting on some work clothes first.
Recently I’ve started creating playlists for different activities. When I hear the playlist it reminds me of the activity and just thinking about it can be enough to start some enthusiasm bubbling up.
A really easy one is turning off the Big Light means it’s time to wind down and relax. They do this as standard in The Netherlands, it’s actually a thing here.
If you are struggling to build some positive habits try adding some simple triggers to your activities. It might seem a bit silly at first but if it gets you where you want to go it’s worth it.
I’m going to take off my glasses now, it’s time for a break.
Kim
Co-founder, The Clean Sheet