Habit or Apathy?

Do you have pet peeves? Things people do or say that really bother you? Be honest. You do and so do I.

Over the past couple weeks I've heard multiple phrases that basically say the same thing. These phrases really bother me. They've become a pet peeve.

"I'm just too busy..."

"I don't have time..."

"You did suggest that and I agree that it's a great idea, but honestly, I forgot"

I hear these phrases when posing certain questions: "How's 'X' project coming along?" "Are you investing in improving your selling skills?" "Did you follow up with the customer like you told them you would do?"

What do I hear? Excuses.

What do excuses provide you? The negative answer to that question is: A way to save face and get out of a uncomfortable situation in which you know you blew it. The postive answer is: An opportunity to get better!

Are your excuses a habit or simple apathy?

Merriem Webster defines both:

Habit

1. a: a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance
   b: an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary <got up early from force of habit>

Apathy

1. a: lack of feeling or emotion : impassiveness
   b: lack of interest or concern : indifference

A habit is physical pattern that you can change. Apathy just means that you really don't care. However, it to can be worked on. It's a mindset.

 

The best news is: You can change both. It takes work - both physical and mental - but you can change your habits and your mindset.

 

Today, while reading Flipboard articles on my iPad, I cam across this beauty of a blog post by Harvey Mackay. It's titled: It’s About Time To Improve Your Time-Wasting Habits. You can follow the link to read the entire post. Here's some key take-aways:

 

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Many years ago, a management consultant named Ivy Lee was called in by Charles Schwab, chairman of Bethlehem Steel Company, to give him advice on how to better manage his time. After observing Schwab for several hours, Lee gave this advice: “Every evening write down the six most important things that must get done the next day, and list them in order of importance. Don’t begin item two until item one is complete.”

 

Do you complain that you never have enough time? The reason may be that you’re wasting it, because you haven’t figured out how to use it well. Here are some ideas to get time on your side:

• Begin your day with a plan. If you have no plan on how you’ll tackle your workload, you’ll end up battered by competing demands. Manage your time better by doing the right things, not by doing the wrong things faster. At the end of your day, make a to-do list for the next day, so you can be productive immediately in the morning.

• Prioritize, don’t procrastinate. Many people like doing the easy things first and saving the harder things until the end. But what if those harder things never get done, or there are emergencies that come up. Your plan should be prioritized by order of importance. Bottom line, make sure the important things are getting done.

• Take on what you can reasonably handle. Sometimes it’s hard to say no, but be careful not to let your work pile up, causing you to miss deadlines. This can lead to poor performance and unnecessary stress.

• Tidy up your workspace. Studies show the average American worker is a disorganized mess. A minute here, a minute there spent looking for stuff can add up fast. A messy desk wastes time and adds to your distractions. Organize and get rid of the clutter.

• Focus. People lose so much production because they can’t stay focused or they are continuously distracted and interrupted. If you are able to maintain your concentration, you will be amazed at the amount of work you can accomplish.

• Get adequate sleep. Lack of sleep increases your stress level and intensifies feelings of lack of control. You’ll spend time at work wishing you weren’t so tired. You also have a harder time focusing on the task at hand, which leads to a major time-waster: having to redo projects.

• Take a break. Get away from work. Eat lunch away from your desk. Take a walk around the block. A brief breather recharges your batteries and keeps you more productive

 

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Ask yourself - Habit or Apathy? Make a plan to change. Take the opportunity to improve!