In my first year studying engineering at university, I fell in with a group of mates who were a lot of fun. We’d often sit up the back of the lecture theatre, throwing darts, making jokes and doing pretty much everything except taking the lecture seriously.
As I describe in my book, Overcoming Financial Stress, after a few months I realised that if I kept going that way, I was probably going to fail. So I decided to sit at the front, where I could give the lecturer my full attention. My mates weren’t pleased. They turned on me a bit, which made it uncomfortable, but I felt it was something I needed to do.
Looking back, I think that illustrates one reason why you can find it difficult to move forward, even when you know what you want. I wanted to succeed in engineering, but the way I was spending my lectures made it very easy to forget that. Moving seats gave me a better chance of doing what I’d come there to do.
Perhaps there’s something similar happening in your life. You want to concentrate on an important project, but you’re constantly interrupted. You want to exercise regularly, but your usual evening routine leaves little room for it. Or you’re trying to change a habit that’s part of how you spend time with friends.
The people around you may simply enjoy the familiar arrangement. If you change your part in it, they may need some time to adjust, and so might you.
Over the next few articles, I’ll explore some of the things that can keep you stuck. Your surroundings are a useful place to start because there may be something quite practical you can try. You might find a quieter place to work for an hour, agree with your colleagues on when you’ll be available, or arrange to walk with a friend.
Think of something you’ve been wanting to change. Before deciding you need more motivation or discipline, ask yourself, “What would be the equivalent of changing my seat?”
#ProfessionalDevelopment #ChangingHabits
