How To Approach Habits With More Awareness

We are the sum of our habits. Yet most of the times we move through life on autopilot, locked into routines that we don’t question. How many times have you heard at work "That's how we've always done it?"

While habits can simplify our days and keep us on track, they can also lead us to repeat patterns that may no longer serve us. In fact, research shows that habits strongly impact workplace performance, particularly when employees operate under high pressure or stress. In these cases, people tend to revert to established habits rather than innovate or adapt.

That's where awareness comes in. It gives us a choice. It’s the essential first step to creating intentional change in our lives and work. Imagine this in a leadership context: when we bring awareness to our actions and reactions, we unlock the freedom to lead consciously. Instead of reacting out of habit, we choose responses that align with our values and goals.

Here are a few actionable ways to start building awareness and introducing conscious choice:

Pause before responding
When faced with a challenge, take a moment before reacting. Just a brief pause allows you to check in with yourself and decide on a mindful response, rather than a reactive one.

Question your habits
Pick one daily routine and ask yourself, “Why do I do this?” Sometimes, simply questioning our habits can reveal which ones align with our goals, and which ones need adjusting. This could be questioning the default duration of your weekly meetings or asking why you've done a certain process this way for so long.

Practice mindful transitions
Between tasks or meetings, take a few deep breaths and reset. This creates a natural boundary between activities and helps you approach each one with fresh energy and focus. You'd be surprised at how impactful it can be!

Notice your triggers
Pay attention to the situations or people that trigger automatic responses. Recognizing your triggers is the first step to understanding how to respond with choice rather than habit. Does a certain colleague irritate you when they push back on your ideas?

Reflect on your day
At the end of each day, take a few minutes to review how you spent your time and energy. This reflection builds self-awareness over time, helping you notice patterns and make intentional shifts.

Reconnect with your “Why”
For each major task or decision, ask yourself, “What’s my purpose here?” This question anchors your actions in meaning, keeping you focused on what truly matters.

Awareness isn’t something we can check off just once. It’s a daily practice, a conscious shift that gradually reshapes how we think, act, and lead. That's why it's wonderfully cultivated through mindfulness practice.