• December 18, 2017

Interrupt Negative Patterns for Increased Productivity

Interrupt Negative Patterns for Increased Productivity

Interrupt Negative Patterns for Increased Productivity 450 370 admin

Recently during a session with one of my clients, he launched into a highly charged dialogue on situations at work, during his volunteer activities, with his friends and even with the drivers on his commute. The dialogue was so charged, my mind drifted to the fact that I was going to need to work out just to release some of the energy.

Yes – his negative energy was unintentionally being transferred to me. However, it lead to a very powerful coaching session, as he was able to first identify negative trends that were impacting his engagements physically, professionally and socially. In each of his scenarios, he described his go to behaviors to handle unfavorable situations.

When unfavorable situations, actions and emotional conflicts happen again and again in your life—same scene, different characters—there’s a good chance you are in the presence of a negative “pattern.”

At best, these negative patterns cause frustration. At worst, they cause undue suffering and uphill struggles.

The good news is: you have the power to change these negative patterns. Below are some ways to begin to disrupt them so that you can start laying down new, more positive patterns.

Become aware.
No matter how entrenched a pattern seems, the act of noticing begins the shift away from damaging thoughts or behaviors. Put simply, you can’t change what you’re not aware of.

One way to become aware is to just sit with your thoughts and watch for the patterns. The goal here is to notice, that’s all.

In this step, focus your awareness on just the facts and feelings of the patterns. Don’t let your mind wander into the analysis of “why” you have them right now, for it will likely try to justify and defend the pattern. You can analyze later (see below); for now, just notice.

Also, ask people you trust to help you see the patterns. Our blind spots are called “blind” for a reason; we just don’t see them. But they’ll be clear as day to others.

Discover the hidden payoff.
Becoming aware of your negative patterns, you see evidence they are disserving, perhaps even damaging, you. For example, your pattern of conflict with co-workers has gotten you fired several times, and now your resume reflects that pattern, too.

The key to interrupting negative patterns is to understand this: we generally don’t keep repeating behaviors unless, on some level, we get something good out of them.

These hidden reasons are known as “payoffs,” and they either help you get more of something you want or avoid something you don’t want.

In the example above, the person in constant conflict with co-workers could be using the conflict to cover up deep insecurity with his/her work quality. The conflict, in effect, distracts from scrutiny.

Or the conflict could stem from uncensored outspokenness. The person may have an oppressive situation at home, and being excessively frank at work may allow him/her to feel powerful and self-expressed in at least one arena of life.

Look for (and create) positive patterns.
One of the best ways to disrupt the negative patterns that may be wreaking havoc with your life is to also study the positive patterns in your life. For these can be “grafted” onto your negative patterns with great success.

Consider your negative patterns as the pipes to your backyard pond that are old and clogged with mineral build-up. Laying new pipes (positive patterns) could be the easiest, quickest and most effective solution.

In January we will launch a new short-term coaching program: On the Spot – Situational Coaching. The program is designed to assist you in exploring situations and making decisions with confidence in your personal and professional life. With on-the-spot coaching the focus is on situations requiring immediate attention. As you prepare for 2018, contact me to join you on your journey.

Author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications

    I am requesting information on:

    • Human Resources Consulting

    • Team Coaching

    • Professional Coaching Services

    • DEI Consulting

    • Workshops, Seminars or Group Facilitation

    • Culture Transformation

    Privacy Preferences

    When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in the form of cookies. Here you can change your Privacy preferences. It is worth noting that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we are able to offer.

    Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking code.
    Click to enable/disable Google Fonts.
    Click to enable/disable Google Maps.
    Click to enable/disable video embeds.
    Our website uses cookies, mainly from 3rd party services. Define your Privacy Preferences and/or agree to our use of cookies.