Ever wonder about this question: Who I am?
How will you answer this question if you are being asked.
I was reading the book called “Atomic Habits – an Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones” by James Clear recently and this question comes to mind when I was provoked by what James wrote in his book “Your identity emerges out of your habits.”
This sentence is DEEP!
I think it is trying to say that habits are our being. Because by observing our habits, we can gain insights into who we are.
Habits are actions carried out consciously or subconsciously by us that are driven by our values and beliefs. These values and beliefs form our identity. In other words, if I want to answer the question “Who I am?”, all I have to do is observe all my habits and question what values and beliefs drive them and therefore I can conclude who I am. Seems simple? Think twice.
First, how do you observe habits that are carried out subconsciously? E.g. why do you wake up in the morning and without any consciousness will immediately go to the toilet? Why can’t I eat breakfast first?
Second, when our values and beliefs change most often subconsciously, our habits will change subconsciously as well. And so will our identity. For example, can anyone confidently say that I am the same all throughout my life? I think at least I cannot. Because the Jenson when he was in his JC days was very different from his University days and was in turn very different from the Jenson now. But these conclusions only come from reflections. If I ask you when is the exact moment that your values and beliefs change that leads to a habit change and thereby transforms you to another identity, I bet you will not be able to answer this question.
Yet, answering this question is so important. Until you can consciously observe your evolving and ever-changing beliefs, values and habits and make conscientious effort in a purposeful way to steer them towards what you want to become, you will probably lead a life that is dictated by circumstances and others rather than by yourself.
But how can you bring all of these into your consciousness all the time? Is it even possible?
These are very fascinating questions to ponder upon on a late and lazy weekend.
My answer to these questions lies in my more than 5 years of experience in getting leaders from all levels, across diverse industries and within organisation of varying sizes to embrace systems thinking habits into their daily habits successfully.
I know through my experiences of interacting with leaders who completed my Skillsfuture funded systems thinking habits for champion and systems thinking habits for senior leaders learning programme and witnessing how they embrace the application of systems thinking habits in their work and life that indeed habits are the pathways towards changing our identity …
Just like this SCDF Commander who went through my Systems Thinking Habits for SCDF Commanders Programme.
And this whole group of wonderful sales leaders in the United Overseas Bank Personal Finance Services group who went through my Systems Thinking Habits for Champions programme.
My coddiwompling journey to get more leaders think in systems continues …
So who are you really? ????
#coddiwomplingthroughlife
#systemsthinkinghabits