Do You Control Your Beliefs or Do Your Beliefs Control You?

There is a saying, “Whether you think you can or can’t, you are right,” which speaks to the notion that that your beliefs control you.  According to the New York Times Bestseller Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results written by James Clear, there is an easy and proven way to build good habits and break bad ones.  One of the key tricks to accomplishing this lies in controlling your beliefs. Below is my take on the author’s belief model.

Here are two models for habit changing…

To illustrate, pretend that you feel highly stressed, overworked and unable to accomplish everything that you need to in any given day.  OK, maybe you don’t have to pretend; that’s fine too… Below are two approaches you can take to change habits and become more productive:

Outcome/goal-based habits (what most people set out to do)

1. I want to become more organized so that I feel less stressed and overworked while accomplishing more during each day
2. I will accomplish this by prioritizing my workday and not getting distracted by non-essential activities
3. I believe I can make these changes and become a more organized person

Identity based habits (what creates longer lasting and effective change)

1. I am an organized person
2. I accomplish this by prioritizing my work day and not getting distracted by non-essential activities
3. I am not stressed or overworked and accomplish more during each day because I am organized

Imagine two people resisting the temptation of getting distracted and unfocused at work.  The first person says, “I don’t have time for a 30-minute meeting today; I am trying to become more organized.”  The second person says, “I can’t meet with you today, I organize my day and it is fully scheduled.” Notice the difference?  The first statement is passive in nature while the second statement denotes an active shift in personal identity. They no longer self-identify as someone who is unscheduled and unorganized.

My observation is that people will continually make demands on your time. It is up to you to set boundaries and when appropriate, not let their wishes become your priorities. Other people’s demands on your time are limitless while your time is limited. Whose priorities take precedence? You must decide! #MindSetShift!