We are all the sum of our habits – small or big. Executive coach AK Ikwuakor from Google shares his tips on how to use micro habits to reduce stress and increase focus.
Unlocking the Power of Micro Habits
AK Ikwuakor, an executive coach lead at Google, has identified the importance of micro habits in improving performance.
These tiny behaviors, mindsets, or actions require minimal effort and time but can have a huge impact on our goals in the long run.
He suggests starting with a simple step like walking out the door each morning – it increases the likelihood of accomplishing your goal.
Focus on ‘Who’ You Need To Be
In order to accomplish your goals, it’s important to focus on who you need to be rather than solely the outcome you desire.
Consider what kind of person would have the senior-manager position you desire and become that person every day.
Limiting Distractions
Seppälä recommends that we remove or limit distractions from our lives in order to increase focus.
This could mean turning off notifications or limiting exposure to certain people who consistently divert your attention.
Schedule ‘you’ time
If you’re spending every working hour supporting others, when are you dedicating time primarily to yourself? It’s important to schedule personal time and use the resources available to you for recharging and recovering. I also advise trimming your meeting time. Think about Parkinson’s law, which proposes that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. In the context of meetings, this suggests that people tend to use up the entire allotted time for a meeting, regardless of whether the topic could be handled more efficiently in a shorter duration.
Overcoming Self-Doubt with Micro Habits
To combat feelings of self-doubt, Ikwuakor encourages people to focus on their “I knows” – the things they know about themselves without a shred of doubt.
Writing down these affirmations can help reframe one’s outlook and boost psychological state.
As an example, Ikwuakor referenced a sales rep who was anxious about meeting a senior executive client for the first time.
By shifting her perception and finding common ground between them, she was able to relax and approach the situation with more confidence.
Identifying and Labeling Emotions
Seppälä suggests that when we feel anxious or excited, the first step is to accurately identify and label our feelings.
If it’s excitement, great – ride that wave.
If anxiety is present, list out at least five things you’re looking forward to or excited about in relation to the action you need to take.
