Know Thyself-Habits

A big component of Knowing Ourselves is knowing our habits. It is harder than it looks on the surface. It took me a good few days to figure out my story on this topic and i't's ramification to who I am as a person.   

Early in life, I seem to have had more dodgy habits than good ones. Given the lack of supervision from parents (They were busy being of service to others and expected the universe to help us to grow up as productive souls), it is not surprising.   

I was a bad eater and did not care about too many things other than reading. The world and everything in it stood still as I read. I went through the requirements of life, either in a programmed mode or under duress from the maid or brother.   

 No good habits to report till my early twenties. Reading could not be classed as a good habit, as I was on another planet when I did so, which was not good for me or those around me.   

Going to the next phase of life, I married someone who had many good habits and routines. Glad to say some of it rubbed off on me. Collaboratively completing all chores and cooking for the working week was one of them. I think we couldn't have survived both our busy jobs if we did not get into a habit of doing this, week in and week out.   

Being systematic in the planning of a project is something else I learnt from my husband. This habit stood me in particularly good stead when I lead big projects. Other good habits picked was, to have dinner together.    

I sailed through more years, without picking up many other good habits. One stands out as a great habit. When I took over a team, my boss at that time, urged me to walk the floors. I took this up and religiously followed this every day. The dividends this habit yielded was enormous. I connected with many, including those outside my team, and was able to build collaborative relationships that stood me in good stead in critical time.   

Another good habit was turning around directly addressed emails in 24 hours. This was a big ask, as I handled many functions in a matrixed organisation managing many stakeholders. It required that I, on a regular basis to sit after hours to do the answering. It was a pain, but I did it every single day apart from Sunday. Dedication to service was a genetic factor which helped me in the formation of this habit.   

Bad habits I picked up, as I climbed the corporate ladder were many. Not having any lunch as I rushed about (in a leisurely manner as I am a slow walker) was one of them. Another was not to do any exercise. I guess the mileage I covered by walking the floors helped in keeping the exercise bank account in the black.   

In 2015, as I left the corporate arena, and began to understand this Know Thyself gig, I had a good hard look at myself. Slowly I started to have lunch again. Now, I do every day along with walking at least for an hour. Walking has become an enjoyable part of life for me. I think I can happily walk miles, considering topics that I might explore further in my writing.  

More Importantly I found the writing genie. She is a wonderful companion who provides me with daily enjoyment. I do my writing mainly in the morning and every day when I not travelling. It has been the best thing in life I must say.   

I still read, but not as voraciously as before. I am more selective as to what . Not sure if this part of getting older. I make time in the week to reach out to folk I have not been in touch with over a period. I am also doing this, with my online connections when the algorithm makes them vanish from my feed. Good people are hard to come by and maintaining such relationships are essential.   

With implementing new habits, in my experience, it is a question of will, belief and commitment to make it happen. The environment and whom we associate with also plays a part. Yes, like all the experts say on the internet, it is about doing daily incremental steps, until it becomes part of our routine. I am not one to celebrate but giving oneself a pat on the back can keep one on track.   

Another thing is not to get too attached with outcomes when we embed habits. For example with the writing genie, I am happy with what we cough up together. I am open to others' ideas and catalysts, to help me craft up more posts and articles.  It is a question of doing and not becoming. That is a huge shift for me, as I was an outcome driven person all my life.   

I hope, as I gain maturity, I will drop some more bad habits and latch on to other good ones. One of the suspects I am working hard on, is to be calm and nonchalant when I see self-serving antics around me. That would include, not responding with a smart comment on social media. 

What is the story of your habits?   

What would you want adopt?   

What would you like to drop?