Big Success with Tiny Habits

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When I was a kid, my mom used to motivate me to work hard every day by telling me, "Little drops of water make a mighty ocean". I wish I would have listened. :p 

I spent most of my days working hard on video games - no regrets though, life has turned out well!

But, now 38 years later, I can assure you and give you data that when it comes to work, tiny habits can lead to huge success! Small actions, repeated consistently, can help you reach your biggest goals at work and in life. It might sound like magic, but it's actually something called atomic habits (kudos to James Clear and others who made this term famous!), and they're super important, especially for executives.

So, what are atomic habits? 

Think of them as mini superpowers that you can use every day to make a big difference in your work life. These are small actions that you do regularly without even thinking about them. They might seem tiny, but trust me, they can pack a punch!

Now, let's talk about why micro habits are so important at the workplace. 

Picture this: you have a big project deadline looming over your head. It's stressful, right? But what if I told you that by practicing tiny habits, like breaking your tasks into smaller chunks or taking short breaks to recharge, you could tackle that project with ease?

Major companies like Google, known for their innovative work culture, understand the power of micro habits. They encourage their employees to take "microbreaks" throughout the day to boost productivity and creativity. It's like giving your brain a little vacation so it can come back refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes its way!

In my own experience, there are a few habits that I am now programmed to perform. 

1. Meditating in the morning - As soon as I wake up, within 10 minutes, I am on my favourite couch, in a cross legged position, eyes closed, and meditating. It has had the highest ROI for me over the years.

2. Expressing my love and appreciation for my family and my clients - Every conversation, interaction that I have with people who matter, I make sure I express my love and appreciation to them.

3. Exercising - It took some time to build this one. I was a Monday to Monday gym addict - which means I went only on Mondays! But now, slowly and steadily, I have grown into this habit and I make sure that I get some physical activity every single day.

4. Calendar Mapping - My life is on the calendar. From my meetings to the tasks to meditation to lunch to my kids basketball games. Tiny habit that has led to big rewards.

   
   

Enjoying my work with the team at Wholsum Foods.

Now since you are reading this on LinkedIn, here are some tiny habits that executives can put into practice to deliver high performance:

1. Start the Day Right: Another saying from my younger years - "The early bird catches the worm". Well, it's true! Executives who start their day with a clear plan of action are setting themselves up for success. Take Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, for example. He's known for starting his day early and diving into his emails first thing in the morning. By tackling important tasks right off the bat, he sets a productive tone for the rest of the day.

2. Practice Active Listening: Effective communication is key in any workplace, and active listening is a superpower that every executive should master. Take a leaf out of Warren Buffett's book. The billionaire investor is famous for his ability to listen attentively to others. By giving your full attention to whoever is speaking, you not only show respect but also gain valuable insights that can drive business success.

3. Take Time for Reflection: In the fast-paced world of business, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. But taking a step back to reflect on your actions is crucial for long-term success. Just ask Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook. She makes it a habit to schedule regular reflection time to assess her performance and set goals for improvement. By pausing to reflect, executives can identify areas for growth and make better decisions in the future.

4. Show Appreciation: A little appreciation goes a long way in boosting morale and fostering a positive work environment. Take Reed Hastings, the CEO of Netflix, for example. He makes it a point to thank employees for their hard work and dedication personally. By showing appreciation for your team, you boost their motivation and strengthen loyalty and commitment to the company.

   
   

The power of atomic habits in the workplace is undeniable. By incorporating tiny actions into your daily routine, you can unleash big success and take your career to new heights. Remember, it's the little things that make all the difference!

And hey, don't underestimate the power of your own micro habits. Whether it's taking a deep breath before a big presentation or setting aside time for self-care, these tiny actions can have a big impact on your happiness and success at work. So go ahead, start small, and watch as your efforts snowball into something truly extraordinary!