For maximum effectiveness in life, love or business, it helps to have the right habits. You knew that, of course, but don't forget that it also helps to not have the wrong habits. What are these?
Seven Effectiveness-Killing Habits
1. Short term thinking. I knew a man who paid $700 rent instead of $550 per month for a nicer place. The landlord didn't require a deposit, so he could move in for $300 less. Now he pays $1,800 more per year in rent. Borrowing from a loanshark to get into the other place would have made more sense, even at 200% annual interest.
2. Waiting for opportunities. Don't we all know people who are "waiting for their ship to come in," while others are out there building ships? Work invites opportunities - waiting doesn't.
3. Blaming. This is a favorite habit of many bitter people. When has blaming others ever motivated you to improve your situation? Talk about an effectiveness-killer.
4. Looking outside for answers to inside problems. Similar to blaming, this habit is based on misunderstanding why we are in our current situation. In our free and wealthy society, it's usually due to what's going on inside our heads.
5. Procrastinating. Actually, I like this habit. Just stop applying it to things you need to do, and apply it to picking up that cigarette, eating that cake, or getting into that argument.
6. Laziness. I don't know what to say about this bad habit, except that I don't know of anyone who has suffered greatly from forcing themselves to get up and do something. Try something easy first.
7. Acting on impulse. I met a guy at the bus stop this week who within five minutes mentioned that he had bought a $200 hat and that he was hoping they would approve his welfare application. Do you think he might have a problem with impulse control?
If "creating a new you" seems daunting, just start correcting your bad habits, one-by-one. This alone will increase your effectiveness in any pursuit, and your success in life.
Steve Gillman writes on many self help topics including boosting brainpower, losing weight, meditation, habits of mind, creative problem solving, learning grattitude, generating luck and anything related to self improvement. You'll find more at
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