Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Dave Schoenbeck
I frequently talk with entrepreneurs and executives that are entirely self-taught. They are incredibly optimistic and have exceptional technical expertise in their industry. But unfortunately, their business skills are primarily learned on the job, and many have ingrained bad habits, much like I did when I was a young golfer.
I have played golf since I was ten years old and have suffered quietly in mediocrity for many years. This is because I was self-taught, and my only instruction was the response that I received from my frequent errant shots and the pros on TV, which I tried to emulate.
A few years ago, I finally admitted to myself that I needed to take lessons from a professional. So I humbled myself, set aside some money, and reluctantly remade my golf swing. As a result, I’m happy to say I am now in the top 5% of amateur golfers.
The difference was that I finally had the quality teaching that made me more successful. But, frankly, I couldn’t improve significantly until I identified my weakness, and an objective expert helped me correct the ingrained swing flaws that blocked my potential.
Bad work habits are much the same as a bad golf swing. You won’t correct them until you admit a problem and seek help.
Breaking Bad Habits
To successfully change lousy work habits, you must think hard about your dissatisfaction with your current performance. You won’t be motivated enough to change until you amp up your dissatisfaction. For example, looking in the mirror more often might inspire you to make the change if you are overweight.
In terms of your bad work habits, you’ll want to find a way to remind yourself of the shortcomings they bring. For example, if your pattern is procrastination, track your time so you can see how much you’re wasting. If it’s poor communication, write down examples of times that lack of communication cost you a business deal or caused problems with a coworker.
Additionally, you need a clear vision of what success will look like once the change is made. In our weight example, you might visualize yourself fitting into a new smaller size in your wardrobe. For business, envision how your workday could look once your habits are broken. You won’t change until you can picture how much better the future might look.
Bad Work Habits and Accountability
In my case, you often need help from an objective outsider to identify your bad work habits and create a solution. That’s where a business coach comes in.
A business coach can help you identify your bad work habits and develop a short list of alternative strategies, tasks, and ideas. In addition, a coach can provide ongoing surveillance and check-ins so you don’t fall back into your old bad habits. A coach can also help you maintain a positive mindset and outlook when frustrated or overwhelmed.
So the lesson for business owners and executives is: there is a faster and more efficient way to improve your skills. In addition, you will significantly benefit from quality professional coaching to help you see and correct your business swing flaws.
Please don’t make the same mistake that I made. Changing habits is possible if you take responsibility. Suspend your disbelief that you can do it yourself. Instead, find a business coach that can identify your opportunities and help you find your way to tremendous success.
Oh, by the way, I can do all of that for you. So please fill out my contact form for a free chat to discuss how we can put these principles to work for you.
Coach Dave
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