Pattern Breaking 2.0

Introduction

I was reading an old article of mine and one theme came up that has stood the test of time: the power of breaking patterns. Whether it’s in personal growth or professional development, the ability to step out of habitual ways of thinking and doing can lead to significant breakthroughs. If you think about it, breaking patterns is not just about change; it’s about transformation.

Pattern Breaking Mindset

Embracing Change

Change is inevitable, but embracing it is a choice. Over the years, I’ve seen leaders who have thrived by welcoming change, using it as a catalyst for growth. Breaking your existing patterns means you need to be comfortable… no, eager for change.  You have to be ready for the in-between time that exists as the old pattern is disrupted and the new one is formed.  This can be an uncomfortable time and as a leader you have to keep your eye on the destination and lead your team there. 

Encourage them by being sympathetic to how they feel during the change. At the same time, keep firm in your focus on the new pattern. Embracing change and leading your team through it requires you to have a firm foundation of emotional intelligence (EQ). You have to be able to guide the human aspect of the change.

Asking the Right Questions

In coaching, asking the right questions is crucial. It’s about diving deeper and uncovering insights that lead to meaningful action. I’ve learned that the questions we ask ourselves and others can open doors to new perspectives and solutions. For instance, a simple question like “Why not?”, “What if?” or “What else?” can lead to innovative breakthroughs. 

As your team comes to you with challenges about the new pattern, ask them open ended questions that help them reflect on their situation. What are the facing during the change? What will it be like after the change? How can you they bridge the gap? What will they miss about the old pattern? What will they gain from the new pattern?

Creating Systems

Systems are the backbone of sustainable success. I mentioned in my weight loss article that systems, not willpower, drive long-term change. In leadership, creating systems for feedback, communication, and decision-making can lead to consistent and measurable progress.

Systems don’t have to be complex either. Don’t spend time perfecting or complicating the system. Get something in place fast and then adjust and improve it over time. Start as simple and fast as you can – post-it notes, a few meetings, a task tracker – whatever you can put in place to get started.

Techniques for Breaking Patterns

Visualization Techniques

Visualization is a powerful tool in breaking patterns. How can you visualize the existing pattern? A flow chart? A mind map? A graph? A picture, drawing or image?  Even if its abstract or representative, if you can make the old pattern physically visible it will help you with creating a new pattern.  Creating a visualization gives you something tangible to look at and work on.  If you are working with a team, it also builds a common understanding and starting point for your pattern breaking.

With the current pattern visualized, it’s time to generate alternatives.

Facilitation Skills

Even if the pattern you are working on is personal just for you, facilitation plays a critical role. And even more so if it’s a group effort.

As an outsider, I often bring a fresh perspective that helps teams see beyond their usual constraints. I also get to ask the dumb questions that others have in their mind but are afraid to ask for fear of being judged as uninformed. 

If getting an outside facilitator isn’t possible then keep these tips in mind:

• I will restate two from above – use visualization and ask questions
• Try to take an outsider’s perspective – what would a new person say, think or ask?
• Try a variety of techniques (brainstorming, reverse brainstorming, role reversal, mind maps, sticky notes)
• Ask provocative questions – “What if we did the opposite” “What are we assuming” “What if we did nothing”
• Gather feedback along the way and make sure you are moving toward your goal

Actionable Insights

To start breaking patterns in your leadership or personal life, consider these steps:

1. Identify one area where you feel stuck and commit to changing it. Write down what you want to change and why
2. Define what does success or improvement look like and write that down
3. Use visualization to see the current pattern and imagine new ones
4. Be brave or even outrageous and try new approaches, even if they feel unconventional
5. Track your progress with a simple system
6. make adjustments to the system and the pattern as you go

Conclusion

Breaking patterns is a continuous journey of learning and growth. It requires courage and a willingness to step into the unknown. As you embrace this journey, remember that each step you take brings you closer to becoming the leader you want to be.