James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, writes, “The key to building lasting habits is focusing on creating a new identity first. Your current behaviors are simply a reflection of your current identity.” After reading Atomic Habits, the concept of beliefs, habits, and systems took shape in the context of leadership. In any organization, beliefs, habits, and systems lead to long-term goals and success. Here is the cyclical process that shapes reaching that larger vision:
- Beliefs: Setting any significant goal begins with developing the belief that it’s possible. Many of the most successful people in the world envision their end product prior to ever achieving the goal. As the leader of an organization or team, the leader is required to deeply believe in the mission and vision of the organization. Without building a passionate belief in the vision, it’s challenging to reach the end product. How effectively do you create belief for yourself and those you lead?
- Habits: Once leaders establish the belief in the larger vision, and they’ve consistently shared that with others, then they need to establish quality habits. There are actions that help reach the end goal, and those habits need to develop into consistent behaviors that swing the pendulum. Creating change and chasing a goal often begins with creating some momentum around the most impactful actions. These habits happen daily and compound to create small wins. How consistently do you stack quality habits that create small wins?
- Systems: Although habits help gain momentum, a system moves the people and organizations closer to the goal. A system is a set of shared beliefs and actions strategically placed together in order to consistently move in a positive direction. Effective leaders develop these systems after finding some success in daily actions. While the habits help set the foundation, the system moves the organization to a level unattainable by habits alone. How effectively do you develop systems for success?
- Revision: Achieving success often requires continued revision of the beliefs, habits, and systems. Gathering feedback and continually reflecting on the systems helps leaders determine what they should stop doing, start doing, and continue doing. It’s often effective to set specific dates when the audit and revisions will take place, so it isn’t overlooked. How consistently do you audit and revise the process?
- Success: Success happens only after developing beliefs, habits, systems, and revision. Many people want instant success and quick wins; while quick wins are often part of the winning process, they are only a small step. It’s also important to avoid putting success on a timeline. Sometimes, success takes a short amount of time. Sometimes, it’s an extended process. What does your version of success look like?
Developing an identity, establishing beliefs, and creating habits is a winning system for success. Leaders who want to develop successful organizations should begin with creating belief around a larger vision. After establishing the vision, commit to creating habits and systems that lead to success. Creating change and chasing excellence requires challenging, but important work for people, organizations, and society.
How effectively does your leadership establish beliefs, habits, and systems for success?