Habits are the silent puppeteers of our lives. They streamline our routines, boost efficiency, and turn complex tasks into muscle memory. But what if these trusty companions become our jailers? Can the very routines that empower us also hold us back?
The answer lies in a phenomenon we can call the ‘autopilot trap’. Imagine a talented young engineer, Maya. Maya thrives on routine. Every morning, she tackles the same problem-solving approach, excelling at efficiency. Yet, her rigid methods leave her blind to innovative solutions that might emerge from brainstorming sessions. Her comfort zone, once a haven, has become a cage, stifling her creative potential.
Let’s take another example of Ravi, the star accountant. Years of meticulous routine have made him a master of crunching numbers. Spreadsheets dance at his fingertips, reports materialise with clockwork precision. Yet, a nagging emptiness grows within him. The thrill of the challenge, the spark of creative problem-solving – all sacrificed at the altar of efficiency. Ravi’s rigid habits, once his allies, have become his jailers, stifling his potential.
“An over-reliance on habits can sideline experimentation and innovation.”
Pradyumna Pandey, HR head, manufacturing, Hero Motocorp
“An over-reliance on habits can sideline experimentation and innovation,” warns Pradyumna Pandey, HR head, manufacturing, Hero Motocorp. This isn’t just about problem-solving. It applies to every facet of life. The writer who sticks to a rigid writing schedule might miss the spark of inspiration that strikes at an unexpected hour. The avid reader who only reads at night could be missing out on the joy of a stolen moment with a book.
The culprit? Not habits themselves, but the inflexibility they breed. “Not all habits are created equal,” cautions Amit Sharma, a senior HR leader. While positive habits such as exercise can fuel growth, negative ones such as procrastination can be a one-way ticket to stagnation. The key is to cultivate a garden of habits, weeding out the ones that hinder our potential.
“Not all habits are created equal. While positive habits such as exercise can fuel growth, negative ones such as procrastination can be a one-way ticket to stagnation.”
Amit Sharma, senior HR leader
Consider Rahul, a marketing executive. His “check emails first thing” habit, once a time-saver, now consumes his mornings, leaving him burnt out before the day even begins. This rigidity not only dampens his enthusiasm but also blinds him to the potential benefits of a more flexible approach.
This inflexibility can also be a creativity killer. “Habits can become a comfort trap,” believes Rishav Dev, head of talent acquisition, Century Plywood. The thrill of the unexpected, the spark of a new idea – all these can be sacrificed at the altar of routine. Innovation thrives on a willingness to break free from the familiar, to experiment and explore.
“Habits can become a comfort trap. The thrill of the unexpected, the spark of a new idea – all these can be sacrificed at the altar of routine.”
Rishav Dev, head of talent acquisition, Century Plywood
So, how do we escape the autopilot trap? The answer is not to dismantle our habits altogether, but to cultivate flexibility within them. “Think of it as building wiggle room into your routines,” suggests Sharma.
Maya, the engineer, could dedicate a specific time each week to explore unconventional problem-solving techniques. Rahul, the marketer, could experiment with a “no-email mornings” policy to spark fresh thinking. Similarly, Ravi, the star accountant can seek guidance from a senior accountant who can provide a fresh perspective and challenge him to think outside the box.
Organisations can play a crucial role. Diversity of thought is key. Bringing in talent from various backgrounds disrupts established habits by introducing fresh perspectives, challenging the status quo, and sparking creativity.
Leaders must also champion a culture of experimentation, where trying new approaches is encouraged. This not only boosts employee engagement but also leads to groundbreaking solutions that might not emerge from well-worn routines. Psychological safety is paramount – creating a space where employees feel comfortable expressing new ideas and experimenting without fear of failure is vital for fostering innovation.
Individuals too must take responsibility. Dev emphasises the importance of surrounding oneself with constructive critics who can identify when habits become a hindrance. Their feedback can be the wake-up call we need to re-evaluate our routines.
The key lies not in abandoning habits altogether, but in cultivating flexibility within them. It’s about striking a balance – routines provide a foundation, but they shouldn’t become an unyielding prison. As Sharma suggests, “A flexible approach allows us to maintain beneficial habits while being open to spontaneous opportunities that enrich our lives.”
Ultimately, self-awareness is critical. Regularly evaluating our routines can help us identify areas where rigidity has taken root or negative habits have crept in. By being mindful of the habits we cultivate and ensuring they align with our long-term goals, we can transform them from puppeteers pulling us back to powerful tools propelling us forward on the path to our full potential.
