The Danger of Habits

“The danger of habits is that a person can become a prisoner of familiarity.” Roger Von Oech

I’ve probably blogged about this topic in the past, but this particular quote got me thinking about it again. New year and all that, I guess.

Habits. There are good ones and there are bad ones, but all of them have the potential to keep us from moving ahead.

It can be difficult to see situations in a new and objective way because we are clouded by past experiences and assumptions that can actually hinder a creative perspective. I’m talking about those rigid mental habits all of us have. The way we think. The way we view the world around us. And these are bolted into the deep recesses of our brains. Hard to dislodge. But it can be done.

How, you ask?

• Be curious. Talk to people. Learn from them.
• Find a new hobby. A new interest.
• Change your routine. On purpose.
• If you don’t know, ask. Even if you think it’s a “dumb” question.
• Hang around with weird people.
• Focus on a problem and then let it go. Do something totally different.
• Spend some time with people who are outside your usual circle of friends and family.
• Have fun. Do something you’ve never done before. Go somewhere you’ve never been.

Now, this is me writing the terrific advice. Me, the ultimate creature of habit.

I have some work to do.