As we develop professionally and personally, it’s easy to get caught up in the ‘what to do’, and ignore the ‘what not to do’. We hear a lot of tips and tricks on improving yourself and your practices, but how easy is it to fall into negative habits or unresourceful behaviours without realising it – especially when you’re under pressure?
You know what you need to do to better yourself – but what do you need to stop doing? Positive messaging becomes white noise after a while and is easily tuned out, making it impossible to consume.
What You Should (NOT) Be Doing
Most people don’t even realise the thought patterns they get stuck in. I’ve shown the list below to multiple teams, and every time there were guilty hands of those that were demonstrating at least one behaviour – unintentionally screwing themselves over and setting themselves and their businesses back a step.
So let’s look at what you shouldn’t be doing – habits that might be shooting yourself in the foot (without you even realising it).
1. Have no goals
Ever heard of the saying ‘if you aim at nothing, you’re bound to hit it’? If you are building a brand or identity without goals, you will get lost along the way. If you have nothing to aim at, you have nowhere to go. There are heaps of tips and tools about goal setting, and you may want to check out one of our podcast episodes – The relevance of a good plan.
2. Fuel your body (in)effectively
A well-oiled machine will work at maximum capacity! A not-so-well-oiled machine? Not going to work as great… When you don’t fuel your body, you can’t be surprised when it doesn’t work.
We love the quote:
3. Be (un)clear about your values, standards and acceptable behaviours – in life and in work.
If you aren’t sure what you stand for, you’ll attract people who will test your boundaries and, quite often, leave you feeling disempowered.
In business, knowing our values and standards sets the tone for our team. But if we start with nothing, your team will create them by themselves, leaving you chasing your tail in performance management, poor customer experience and, more generally, poor life experience!
Define what you stand for!
4. Repeat unsuccessful behaviours and expect a different outcome
The very definition of insanity is to ‘repeat the same behaviours and expect a different outcome’ – the same goes for the behaviours that clearly aren’t working for you. Reflect, readjust. Stop doing things that aren’t getting you where you need to go.
5. Define your future by your past failures
The way you deal with failure is the ultimate determination of your future success. Take a growth mindset, and you can learn from any failures, coming back better and stronger every time!
Remember that Success is 99 per cent perspiration and 1 per cent inspiration – don’t let yourself drown in self-pity when things don’t go according to plan. Lick your wounds, take the time to heal, and then get back out there, tiger! Go on! Grrrr.
Check out my YouTube clip on the benefits of growth mindsets:
6. Be led by others’ negativity
Sticks and stones may break your bones – but words will never hurt you (unless you let it). Channel negative energy into a positive outlet and ensure your mindset is protected. Self-fulfilling prophecies always land where they should – ensure the outcome is positive.
7. Staying within your comfort zone
Sometimes it’s nice to feel warm and safe (trust me, I know!), but how far will that get you in life? Take calculated risks, continue marching forward, or stay cosy and stuck. One will help you achieve your goals, but the other won’t. You’re smart; I’ll let you figure out which one to take!
8. Expect those around you to change
No matter how much we want it, nobody will change because you want them to. Simple as that.
Change what you can control: how you feel, what actions you take, who you surround yourself with, how you communicate and where you get your information. What others do often reflect the way you see the world – so check out point 3 above and see where you need to change.
BUT at the end of the day, the only person that you can control is yourself – so when you’ve decided you’ve perfected all your faults, that’s when you can preach to those around you to change. (TIP: It’s never going to happen! 😜)
How to (Not) Screw Yourself Over
Use this list to consider what behaviours you might be unintentionally stuck in, and make the conscious decision to flip them into positives. Still not sure if you’re doing any of the above behaviours? Take a look at the video below to find out more!
Taking Control – Personal and Professional Development
You already knew what to do, and now you know what not to do – what’s next?
No change happens overnight, especially not long-term changes. Change your habits by starting with small changes over time. Adjust slowly and take a moment to think – am I being too pessimistic about this situation, and is there something I can do to create a positive outcome?
Do any of these behaviours resonate with you? If so, what are you doing to flip these into positive results that improve your personal and professional development? If you’re stuck on any of these – get in touch with me here!
Tags: Business Personal Development
