BECOMING – The Quest for Personal Discovery
My paradigm shift happened while listening to John C. Maxwell. He said,”Your habits are more important than your goals.” We are taught to set daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. And that is important. But the truth is: our habits determine whether we will achieve those goals. The habits we have unconsciously adopted shape our character.
I wake up daily before 4am. This has been my habit for years. Recently, I was facilitating sessions that started at 9am. It is my habit to be on time. I respect myself enough to honour my commitments. It is hard to achieve goals if we are not watching our habits closely. Sleeping late is an invitation to be late the next day. A few weeks ago, I visited a friend’s house and a few other friends joined us. As the day progressed, it was 6pm.
They started saying, “Guys, Sicelo is about to leave.” The company, music, and conversation were great. But I have made it my habit to be home before 7pm. This habit makes me predictable. My character is built on structure.
I appreciate that my crew understands and respects my thread. Here’s the key: New opportunities will flow toward your habits. It is imperative to shift your habits to shape who you want to become. You may have beautiful goals. But if they do not match your habits, internal conflict will affect your performance. You don’t become what you want. You become what you repeatedly do.
A shop owner asked two teenagers the same question, but their responses were different.
*Teen 1:* _I didn’t steal sweets._
*Teen 2:* _I don’t steal._
As much as Teen 1 told the truth, Teen 2 spoke from identity.
Sicelo Ngubane is a social entrepreneur, an inspirational speaker and a youth activist with interests in leadership and personal development. Has been with Love Life, Sibikwa Arts Centre and the South African Association of Youth Clubs.
Contact: +27 78 054 9694
