A balanced scorecard provides managers with the instrumentation they need to navigate to future competitive success.
— Robert S. Kaplan.
The more automatic a behavior becomes, the less likely we are to consciously think about it.
We repeatedly perform many rituals throughout the day. We address those rituals as our ‘habits’. These habits become so obvious that we don’t even notice them. In this context James clear ( author of the book, ‘atomic habits’ ) says very well that :
We’re so used to doing what we’ve always done that we don’t stop to question whether it’s the right thing to do at all.
Sometimes, we cling to certain habits but we are not conscious. That is, “whether the habit is efficient to reach our goal or not?”
The cycle of habit formation.
According, to James Clear we can acquire any habit in the four stages as enlisted below.
- Cue – Make it obvious.
- Craving – Make it attractive.
- Response – Make it satisfying.
- Reward – Make it easy.
In the habit formation cycle, Cue is important of all. The cue triggers your brain to initiate any behavior. It’s like a small piece of information that assumes the reward. Cravings are the motivational forces that keep you going on. Craving can be like any wish or desire which keeps you motivated throughout the journey. The response is the habit you perform in the form of action. Finally, response drives a reward.
What is a habit scorecard?
Analyzing and improving our habits is a vital factor in our success. For every individual method may vary. For example, some people observe themselves while others write journals and to-do- lists and many more.
But; scientific research shows that maintaining a habit scorecard is an exceptionally proven method. Classically, habit scorecard is categorizing your habits.
Below is an example of the morning routine. Supposable blueprint of routine that idealistically followed.
- Wake up early.
- Read the messages.
- Freshen up.
- Do some workout or go to the gym.
- Write the journal.
- Make a to-do-task list for the day.
- Read a blog or book or article.
- Checking and sending emails.
- Make a cup of tea or coffee.
In, habit scorecard you have to categorize your habits. This categorization depends on how your habits will benefit you in the long run. Just ask yourself, ‘ does this habit help me become the type of person I want to be?’
It’s so simple, just analyze which habit is good, bad, and neutral. Write up all your habits. If you found your habit to be good just give it ‘+’ sign. If bad then give it a ‘-’ sign. In case of a neutral habit ‘=’ sign.
Depending upon the above method your habit scoreboard will appear like below.
- Wake up early. +
- Read the messages. –
- Freshen up. =
- Do some workout or go to the gym. +
- Write the journal. +
- Make a to-do-task list for the day. +
- Read a nice blog or article. +
- Checking and sending emails. –
- Make a cup of tea or coffee. +
Before assigning a sign to any habit just think in the perspective, “ Does this habit cast a vote for or against my desired identity?”.
Tricks to get the full benefit of the habit scorecard.
If you have started maintaining your habit scorecard on my insistence then it’s good. But; then for sure, I must give you the best outcomes out of it.
These tips are like enhancement of four stars on your habit scorecard.
1. Observe your thoughts and actions without any judgment. We often tend to judge our habits, look more than the others do. Just remember, No one is perfect.
2. Don’t acknowledge or praise yourself for success. Because a single person isn’t capable of being responsible for all the success. At the same time don’t blame yourself.
3. Depending on what they are, our habits will either make us or break us. We become what we repeatedly do.
Benefits of the habit scorecard.
The greatest challenge in perceiving a habit is being persistent. Habit formation is easy but making it a lifestyle is a hard thing. For being persistent you need to feed up your mind with motivation. Habit scorecard is just like a form of motivation to build efficient habits.
Just give your mind the most appropriate reason to acquire a good habit.
1. Helps to build efficient habits.
We all categorize habits as good or bad. But; the fact is that whether a habit is good or bad is decided by the goal to which individual is dedicated.
For example, for someone who wants to lose weight eating a bagel and peanut butter every morning is bad but in contrast, someone who wants to gain muscle that habit is good.
Hence, habits are not good or bad. Habits are just efficient.
2. Create a self-awareness.
Improvement is the key to success. Improvement happens only when we are aware of what is lagging and what is taking ahead.
Habit scorecard not only helps to analyze your habits but; also to improve the bad ones. Maintaining a habit scoreboard is like walking with hands in hand with time.
3. Keeps you motivated.
People always complain they lack motivation. This has now become like a trendy excuse for not following habits.
So, let me tell you, maintaining a habit scorecard is not only a habit but a motivation to improve. Motivation to find the best. It’s like a weapon that has the power to change you and your habits.
So, just take a deep breath. Evaluate the information you have read and envision a better future. Start maintaining your habit scorecard. Everything will be fine in a better way.