Habit is the intersection of knowledge (what you do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do)

“Habit is the intersection of knowledge (what you do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do).”

Stephen R. Covey, late American educator, author and speaker

Image from Unsplash by Chase Baker

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is one of my all-time favorite books.

I’ve read it numerous times over the years and even participated in several workshops and seminars based on its wisdom.

For some unknown reason I can’t recall ever seeing today’s quote.

The idea that our habits can be created and strengthened at the intersection of our knowledge, skills, and desires really hits home!

EXERCISE:

Draw a Venn Diagram with three overlapping circles to include each of these attributes.

Place the word Habit where the circles intersect and consider displaying this visual in an area you visit often to foster your capacities to create and strengthen the habits you most desire.

 

So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers

“So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.”

Jorge Luis Borges, 20th Century Argentine essayist, poet and translator

Image from Unsplash by Markus Spike

Today’s quote reminds me of Stephen Covey’s habit of being proactive. These days, it has become increasingly easy to have things come our way with little effort. With the click of a few buttons on our phones we can order a meal, get a ride, and have virtually anything delivered in minutes or days.

The caveat here is that we still need to do a bit of searching and actively click a button or two for our flowers to arrive.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world are you waiting for things to happen with little or no effort on your part? Where would proactively planting your own garden and decorating your soul add more beauty and abundance to your life?

The Empire of Habit

“Powerful indeed is the Empire of Habit.”

—Publilius Syrus, ancient Syrian writer 42 BCE

Image of "Small Move, Big Change" book Cover

I wonder if Publilius Syrus was an influence in the creation of Yoda in the Star Wars series. Today’s quote sure sounds like a Yoda-ism!

Take a moment to examine your personal and professional empires. How satisfied, fulfilled, and generally happy are you in regards to what you have built through your daily habits?

How are things looking regarding your health, relationships, career, finances, community engagement, and spiritual pursuits?

If you are falling short of the mark, examine your current habits, which are the key to over 90% of our lives.

EXERCISE:

Daily microresolutions can help set you on a more successful course. You can learn about microresolutions through the work of Caroline Arnold and her book, Small Move, Big Change.

Friday Review: Breakthroughs

Friday Review: Breakthroughs

Click on the links to read the full message on these posts related to breakthroughs.

Image from Flickr by Eric Lockhart

Image from Flickr by Eric Lockhart

 

 

“The worst walls are never the ones you find in your way. The worst walls are the ones you put there – you build yourself.”

 

 

 

 

QC #971b

“Our business in life is not to get ahead of others but to get ahead of ourselves, to break our own records, to outstrip our yesterday by outperforming today.”

 

 

 

 

“If an egg is broken by outside force, life ends. If broken by inside force, life begins. Great things always begin from inside.”