As leaders, our journey isn't just about navigating change but personal evolution. Changing our actions and mindset is at the core of this evolution. This transformation is vital to becoming a Connected Leader—an authentic, empathetic, and effective leader who thrives in today's fast-paced world.

Habits, the often unnoticed patterns of behavior that have become almost automatic, are a critical part of this journey. Often, these habits stem from childhood experiences and engrained behavior patterns that we carry into adulthood. These patterns can sometimes prevent us from being our authentic selves, forming an invisible shield that we unknowingly bring into the workplace and personal relationships.

The first step in breaking free from these patterns is recognition and acceptance. Recognizing and acknowledging these patterns allows us to start shifting these ingrained behaviors. Even minor shifts in behavior, when consistently applied, can significantly improve productivity and personal growth.

To modify a habit, it's helpful to understand its components:

Recognition: The first step is identifying the behavior, such as reaching for a dessert every night.

Trigger: Understand the reason behind the habit. Perhaps it provides relaxation, or it's something you look forward to.

Stimulus: Identify what prompts the habit. By observing five key areas over a period of three days, you can uncover patterns. These include the timing, the people involved, emotions, the preceding action, and the location.

Altering a well-established habit or creating a new one involves engaging a different part of your brain, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for tracking your current situation and goals. Consistency and intent are key in this process. For example, when I wanted to incorporate meditation into my daily routine, I trained my brain to anticipate this new habit. I created a consistent stimulus, a pillow, and blanket set up for meditation, that served as a trigger. Eventually, it became second nature.

Creating a new habit involves aligning habit with your values.

A seven-step approach can be handy here:

1. Direction: Set a goal that aligns with your core values.

2. Focus: Keep your focus on the new habit.

3. Intense Performance / Motivation: Maintain your motivation and perform the new behavior intensely.

4. Rest: Include periods of deep rest or sleep.

5. Sustained Effort: Overcome negativity and anxiety with the mantra, “I’m about to learn or grow.”

6. Dopamine Hit: Foster joy, happiness, or a sense of team spirit in executing the behavior.

7. Service: Ensure your goals aren't solely ego-driven by striving to benefit others.

Wisdom from ancient yoga teachings defines liberation as freedom from the conditioning that restricts our thinking and being. By consciously extricating ourselves from these ingrained habits, we gain clarity, see the world more accurately, and experience less suffering. This requires substantial effort, cultivation of insight, and developing subtle skills both mentally and physically.

While thousands of years old, this wisdom resonates with our modern quest—to free ourselves from suffering, interact peacefully, detach from the urge to control, and be mindful of our impact on others. By deepening our self-awareness and understanding of how we affect others, we can foster a more positive work environment, lead mindfully, and be genuinely present for those around us.