The biggest challenge for anyone is to retrain their brain to make better choices. It is simpler than you may think. The first step is to avoid thinking you must change your entire world. There are three good habits that you can adopt to ensure lasting change.
1. Start your day unplugged
In the past, I used to wake up in the morning with my phone right next to me on the bed. My mind was conditioned to grab the phone within seconds of waking up and checking my notifications and emails. This habit disrupted my peace, and I started my day without taking a moment to meditate, pray, reflect, and plan. However, I learned to retrain my brain and clear my head each morning by putting my phone in another room (airplane mode) to avoid temptations. Starting the day peacefully has become crucial, followed by a healthy breakfast and a short outdoor exercise routine, such as taking a brisk walk, to get energized for the day ahead.
2. Learn from people smarter than you
Entrepreneurs and leaders in influential positions often believe they have all the answers to solve complex problems. However, they cannot do it alone. Yet, many try to do so by relying on their oversized ego without listening to and considering the advice of others. Billionaire Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has always advised that success depends on surrounding yourself with the right people. He suggests that "you will move in the direction of the people that you associate with. So it's important to associate with people that are better than yourself." As the famous saying goes, we become the average of the five people we spend most of our time with. Therefore, it's essential to associate with those who are further along the path and who can help us learn new things, grow, and advance our careers.
3. Make time to think
Neglecting self-care is one of the biggest mistakes any leader can make. We might spend a lot of time meeting with others and caring for our teams or business, but it's just as important to set aside time for ourselves to think and reflect. Research published in the book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World suggests that blocking off time for yourself gives us the space to focus on deeper thoughts rather than just reacting to immediate issues. If finding time for yourself to think is challenging, try delegating less essential and time-consuming tasks to others.
Excerpt from an article by Marcel Schwantes, Inc. contributing editor and founder, Leadership From the Core Jan 14, 2024
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