Life for most of us, most of the time, is ordinary and is made of a multitude of thoughts, perceptions, and occurrences. Yes, there will be times when something happens that is transformative or instantaneous, but equally important is that we understand the steps and iterations that lead you to the change.
Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Reilly
In psychology and in business, an antecedent is a trigger which leads to a behavior or action, which results in some sort of consequence. According to Bain & Company, applied behavioral science (ABS) offers compelling insights into what actually influences human behavior. It shows that any behavior—what people say or do—is prompted by antecedents and then powerfully reinforced or undercut by the consequences of those actions.
What people say or do—is prompted by antecedents and then powerfully reinforced or undercut by the consequences of those actions. Image: Bain and Company
Think about some of the triggers that guided you to change your responses or points of view in the past. How do these seemingly disparate occurrences lead to more significant changes in your life?
For me, just about two years ago, the concept of starting my own business was forming in my head. I had ideas of what about marketing and business worked for me, the experiences I had in corporate America, changes in the way we work, technology and shifts towards more personal connection in marketing, but hadn’t yet “connected the dots” to shift from dreams to reality.
To crystallize my concept and point of view I talked candidly to colleagues, family, and friends. I had to share my views and feelings, good and bad. I had to listen carefully, as well, to learn while letting other people talk. And I had to take copious notes and admonitions– that they generously offered.
The people that I work with, we often have earth-shattering conversations about life and choices. What I’ve learned from that is people think differently, and each of their opinions has a significance of its own. When my friend and Jocelyn Greenky told me that “it’s okay to not do everything on your own,” – that struck me like a lightning bolt. I realized that I don’t need to burden myself with everything, and should share the workload with my close friends from time to time. This conversation with her was an inspiration for me, and I find specks of genius in everyone, which help me grow as a whole.
Two years later my business looks a lot different from when I first started. Just last week, I made my main business email address, [email protected], and introduced a new brand that aligns with my growth over my journey.
Your sources of motivation will be scattered – a few here and a few there. You can approach different people for different things, because that’s how humans are. We can’t be perfect in everything.
In addition to learning what to do from others, it is as important to reflect what isn’t working for you and to not follow in the footsteps certain leaders, companies or friends, who may not align with your values or vision. No one enjoys being micro-managed, watching leaders dance around hard decisions, receiving poor feedback, dishonesty, lack of transparency and respect, but we have all experienced it.
Sometimes, inspiration could reverse itself into setting an example for you not to become what is in front of you.
The people who you surround yourself with, help us you to strategize and formulate your plans and define our path forward. Relationships influence how we think about ourselves and how we interact with the world around us See Ted Rubin’s Return on Relationship. However, no one has had the same experiences, perceptions, beliefs, & creativity as anyone else. And this is where you can make your mark, put your stake in the ground, and help the next generation like the previous generation helped you!
