I was holding my 11-year-old daughter’s phone while she was in her acrobatic class on Tuesday evening. A loud singing alarm kicked in with above message on her screen.
After the initial pause, I couldn’t help by laugh. She did tell me that she couldn’t get up early enough to shower in the morning and wants to change her shower schedule to nighttime. Though her words are a bit harsh, this alarm can surely get someone's attention! (Later I learned that the song that went with the alarm is also called “shower” sung by a young singer Becky Gomez - so further reinforcement of the message for her to shower!)
This reminded me of what professional coaches refer to as “structure” - a physical reminder while in the process of leading a behavior change.
I have multiple sticky notes at home and in the office with the word “Breathe” on it;
Some people wear a certain article on their body (such as a bracelet) as a physical representation and reminder of a behavior they want to adopt intentionally;
Some people use an App to give themselves random alerts to pause throughout the day so they remember to reflect on how they are doing in managing a particular behavior change - such as to be less critical, more compassionate, more assertive etc;
A friend of mine uses a small gun safe to physically lock his smartphone during early evening time every day to ensure family time and personal presence;
My daughter’s alarm is an effective structure, using humor is always helpful;
You can also use a partner (a spouse, a friend, a trusted colleague,etc.) to be your physical structure by asking them to check in with you daily on how you are doing on leading your change.
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Options for such "structure" are limitless.
Having an intention to do something differently is “half the battle”; having the discipline to actually do it is the “other half” of the equation.
Have you ever had the best intentions yet not really able to make the desired change?
Research shows that 90% of the time people don’t make their desired change in a sustainable way. Neuroscience shows that it takes 300-3000 repetitions for a new behavior to become automatic when we are under stress (otherwise we revert back to our default old behavior when under stress).
A "structure" is a simple yet powerful way to add “stickiness” to the changes we lead.
What is one behavior that you have been wanting to change - either for yourself or for your organization?
If you allowed yourself to tap into your creativity and your team's creativity, what could be a powerful "structure" in helping you or your organization lead this desired change?
Please feel free to share it, it will likely help many others!
