“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
~ Albert Einstein
What habits do you have? You may have a habit of brushing your teeth, drinking coffee, reading social media or eating chocolate 😊. When we think of habits, we often recognize physical habits that we do. But do you know that we also can form habits of thinking? Sometimes these habits of thought are so automatic, we don’t even realize we are thinking them.
Habits of thought are powerful because they can direct our perspective and also our behaviors. We need to identify the current thoughts we have, determine if they are the thoughts we want to have, and then replace with the thought we want to have through repetition.
Bob Hasson has written a book called, The Business of Honor. In his book, he discusses four habits of thinking that can impact us personally and impact the culture of our organizations. Can you relate to any of the following habits of thinking?
Shame or Courage & Vulnerability
Shame is a habit of thinking that says, “I am not enough.” I am not enough to deserve to be loved, accepted, belong, etc. When we have this habit of thinking, it impacts our behaviors. For example, when I listen to shame, I try to perform to belong. I try to work really hard with hopes that people will then like me. It is great to strive for excellence. However, what drives me can steer me in a right or wrong direction. If shame is driving me, I can seek to please people, which can have the negative effect of not being courageous and vulnerable.
When we are courageous and vulnerable, we have the habit of thinking that says, “I am enough.” This gives an internal foundation to act on a perspective of what is best for the organization or a purpose, rather than how to protect ourselves. We are vulnerable and courageous to share our true thoughts and feelings. This is because we are firm in our value and the value of others.
Do your habits of thoughts produce shame or vulnerability and courage?
Mistrust or Trust
Mistrust is a habit of thinking that says, “I can’t depend on other people.” We may have hurts from other people and then based on this thinking form a perspective of survival and a behavior of independence. I know a leader who is a hard worker and does her work very well. But she is so independent that she has created a silo with other team members. She may do her work well, but the overall mission and culture of the organization is suffering.
Trust is based on thoughts that promote the belief that we can depend on others. Instead of independence, trust leads to interdependence. It is a habit of thinking that says, “I will be open with coworkers about who I am and what my needs are. I will also do the same for my coworkers.”
Do your habits of thinking promote trust and interdependence?
Powerlessness or Powerful
Powerlessness is a habit of thinking that says, “Everything outside of me is more powerful than me.” It produces a victim mentality. It leads to behaviors of blame and irresponsibility. We think we don’t have choices and therefore lack ownership. We also may try to keep others from choices through control or manipulation to feel a false control. But, ultimately it links back to thoughts that we are powerless.
Powerful people have habits of thoughts that say, “I have self-control.” They know that circumstances happen and that they have choices in how they respond and seek solutions. I was talking with a leader who had a recent epiphany with his own thinking. He felt powerlessness with some changes at work and so had become resistant and irresponsible with deadlines. One day, he noticed his frustration with a family member’s resistance to change. It was then that he realized that he was thinking and acting the same way as the family member. He made a choice to change his mindset. Now, he is taking responsibility to meet deadlines.
Are your thoughts promoting you to be powerful?
Poverty or Wealth Mentality
A poverty habit of thinking says, “I always live in lack or scarcity.” There won’t be enough to meet my needs. This leads to a perspective of fear. I believe that fear is the most dangerous of all motivators. This can lead to behaviors of unhealthy competition, greed, and hoarding/ not sharing resources.
A wealth habit of thinking says, “I believe in abundance.” It is rooted in love and gratitude. It produces a perspective that there is always enough to go around. It leads to behaviors of teamwork, sharing and generosity.
What are your stories of when someone has shared wealth and abundance with you? How are you applying healthy habits of thinking? Please share these stories with others and me. It encourages all of us with healthy habits of thinking.