Start Something Today

Forming New Habits

As we near the end of 2009 and look forward to 2010 I thought it was appropriate to look at how we might form new habits to replace old ones. My inspiration this morning comes from reading a book called the seven habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey. This book has become a staple reference for me over the years as it contains such wisdom. If this book isn’t in your library yet treat yourself and buy it and read over the Christmas period.

For our purposes, we will define the habit is the intersection of knowledge, skill and desire.

Knowledge is the theoretical paradigm, the what to do and why. Skill is the how to do. And desire is the motivation, the want to do. In order to make something a habit in our lives, we have to have all three.

For example I may be effective in my interactions with my work Associates, my spouse, or my children to such constantly tell them what I think, I may not even know I need to listen.

Even if I didn’t know that in order to interact effectively others I really need to listen to them, I may not have the skill. I may not know how to really listen deeply to another human being.

But knowing I need to listen and then have to listen is not enough. Unless I want to listen, unless I have the desire, it won’t be the habit in my life. Creating a habit requires work in all three dimensions.

Mavens – people of Understanding

About 5 years ago i was reading a book by a well known author and came across a word that I didn’t know the meaning of. It was such an important word and so central to the writing that I had to stop and go and find out what the word really meant. The word was Maven and Malcolm Gladwell, in his book the tipping point uses it as a descriptor of someone who has an unusually detailed understanding of a particular subject. Mavens are relatively uncommon but well worth seeking out as they are the ones that are either early adopters or trend formers. They are not people who collect other people’s information and present it as their own but real visionaries.

If you are in business, running an organisation or in a position of influence my strong advice is to seek out Mavens.

Now about the book – it is all about people and events that start changes a bit like viruses. It is one of my top 10 books and well worth the £3 price. The Tipping Point is also available as an audiobook – great if you spend time driving – from £6.