The Power of Keystone Habits

 Our life is a reflection of our actions, that is, we are the sum of all of our behaviors. Whether we realize it or not, most of our behaviors are habits, in that we act every single day, in a certain ritualized method.

It has been attributed to Aristotle the quote "men are what they repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit".

Habits control your business. You may have empowering habits that are propelling you to success. For example you may have a habit of taking new action every single day in your business. You may also have a habit of looking for the opportunity that exists in every circumstance.

You may also have dis-empowering habits that are hurting your business. Many of the dis-empowering habits that people have are subtle, but can have a powerful negative effect. For example, a common dis-empowering habit is to immediately complain, try to point blame, get discouraged, or think negative when an obstacle or trial shows up in your life.

Not all habits are equal. Certain habits (both positive and negative) can have a trickle down effect on all of your habits and therefore all of your actions and your entire life.

A keystone is a central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole structure together, or the central principle or part of a policy, system, etc., on which all else depends.

Keystone habits are "small wins" (or the steady application of a small advantage) which lead to other small wins. Small wins start a process that over time can change everything. Small wins fuel transformation changes by leveraging tiny advantages into patterns that convince people that bigger achievements are within their read.

Here are some common examples of keystone habits (or small wins) that, if consistently carried out, have a positive trickle-down effect on all of your actions.

- Consistent exercise despite a busy schedule;
- Daily visualization of the successful accomplishment of your key goals;
- Daily expressions of gratitude for blessings in your life.

What are some keystone habits that you can put into your business and life today?