Routines That Stick
Life is dotted with routines — some stand the test of time while others fade into obscurity. The secret sauce behind the "stickiness" of enduring routines and the evaporation of others is a potent force driven by your core values and identities. You and I have a superpower to committing to what truly matters.
At the heart of commitment lies your core values - those steadfast beliefs that guide each choices and action. They’re like a compass that directs you through any maze of unpredictability. When you're rooted in your core values, commitment becomes more than just a pledge; it becomes an inherent part of who you are. It's like a gravitational pull that keeps you anchored even when the tides of change threaten to sweep you away.
Commitment isn't static; it evolves as your identities or roles do. Those responsibilities transform and transition over time. As do your commitments. Even a simple task like taking out the trash, for instance, may shift to another’s role. This evolution is a natural progression, a reflection of your dynamic identities and their corresponding priorities.
The crux of the matter lies in the clever connection between core beliefs and identities. While changing behavior patterns might seem like a daunting task, it's often less about merely deciding to be different and more about aligning your environment with your names and characters — your identities. These identities shape your space and then, by extension your routines. This, in turn, creates structure both in the literal physical sense and in your daily life. When your values and identities align, commitment becomes an organic extension of who you are.
Sometimes, we find ourselves at crossroads, where our core values clash with our evolving identities. This tension manifests as temporary routines that come and go. However, when you seek to understand, plan, and apply actionable values and identities, your commitment transforms into a beacon of resilience. It becomes a steadfast force that guides you through the ebb and flow of life's changes.
Commitment is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s dynamic and evolves. The sticky routines that endure are a testament to your clever superpower — the ability to align with your true self. Remember that commitment is not just a promise. It’s also your bridge to resilience, a reminder of who you are and what truly matters.
Questions for further exploration.
What is a predictable routine of yours?
How does it support your identity?
On a 1 (not at all) to 10 (completely) scale how committed are you to this routine?