At the beginning of each year I always hear a lot of people talking about their “word for the year”.
I like the idea of this, and I even did it a few times, but to be honest, when the end of the year rolled around I could never remember what my word was.
I often speak with the managers I work with about setting intentions about how they want to show up as a coach and manager, and a new year is a great opportunity to revisit this (or do it for the first time).
Now, I know this is kind of like choosing a word, but not if you take it further and start putting actions to your intentions.
James Clear says “the ultimate form of intrinsic motivation is when a habit becomes part of your identity. It’s shifting from, “I’m the type of person who wants this”, to, “I’m the type of person who is this”.
The more pride we take in particular aspects of our identity, the more motivated we are to maintain the habits associated with it. E.g. If you take pride in your body, you will be someone who exercises and eats healthy, if you take pride in your hair, you will be someone who does what’s necessary to look after your hair.
The goal is not to read a book, it’s to become someone who reads.
The goal is not to eat healthy, it’s to become someone who makes healthy choices.
Our habits are how we choose to embody these identities.
Every time you praise someone on your team for doing a good job, you embody the identity of a manager who gives praise and recognition.
Whatever your identity is right now, you only believe it because you have proof of it.
If you’ve meditated for 30-mins every morning for the last 5 years, you have evidence that you’re someone who meditates.
Let’s say you decide, “I want to be the type of manager who makes time to coach my team”.
What are some small wins you can do to prove this identity to yourself?
– Schedule 10-mins a day to dedicate to someone on your team
– Ask one team member each day what they need help with
– List one area of opportunity you see within each person on your team and then work with them on it
The beauty about this is you’re not going for big monumental shifts, you’re making small votes toward the type of manager you want to be.
You’re fulfilling your intentions with small but meaningful wins.
So, let me ask you, what type of manager do you want to be?
PS – We’ve opened up applications for our 2023 Effective Manager Program. Trust me, this is an easy vote for the type of manager you want to be.
