On a day-to-day basis we perform many actions that is a result of decision we made. For instance, performing hygiene routines each morning- each one has a pattern and structure that defines their identity. To form or develop certain habits, ‘system’ is the base that enable you to decide why one performs certain action in a way.

For example, an officer who desires to clear examination in first attempt, will decide on a daily study plan to ensure he puts in desired number of efforts. Now, many will desire to clear examination in first attempt, but how many are actually ‘Implementing Intentions’.

One who clearly implements their intentions, are more likely to form a ‘system’, that becomes their identity which helps to develop process to reach outcomes.

‘Implementing intentions’ means the plan an individual makes beforehand about WHEN and WHERE to ACT. Like, the toolbox meeting is planned at 8:00 a.m. in the engine room to plan daily operations. Few more illustrations, I will walk 2k steps at 17:00 hrs. in the outdoor activity area. I will learn or recall skill ‘X’ for 20mins with my line manager during small break. I will call one friend every Sunday at 18:00 hrs and chat/talk for 15mins.

Habits are the result of such actions an individual undertakes daily. Hence, it becomes necessary to reflect on your habits to understand how they are leading you to the outcomes. What system (identity) and process you have in place to ensure you make at least one percent of contributions towards what you wish to become

  • Identity
    Understand your beliefs, self-image, judgements about self and others. Understand how you evaluate and analyze external and internal forces? What are the sources of stress and happiness and so on? This will help in looking deeper to change/modify belief to become (live) happy and peaceful life. This will help to build identity. Identity-He is sincere, he is honest, he is manipulative, he is hyper/anxious.
  • Process
    A process that helps having rational and realistic approach towards stressful events. From leadership aspects what are the skills I should develop to help team members evolve in their roles and be better at judgment and decision making. I will spend 30 minutes every Friday to help him work on his shortcomings. I will sit with line manager every Friday to learn more about skills ‘X’
  • Outcome
    Rome was not built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour. Similarly, reaching outcome is a gradual process that we keep building on day-on-day basis to keep strengthening identity. Five minutes of actions towards the outcome on each day will become a habit.

Many habits we do or don’t appreciate in ourselves were formed over a period and not overnight. Similarly eliminating a bad habit or replacing them with good ones takes place over the period. Having patience and unambiguity will help you stick to the intentions, and every step, however small or big, towards the outcome is towards the right direction.