Welcome back to another session of the Navigate Programme blog series! In our previous session, we embraced the practice of hopefulness and thankfulness, recognizing their potential to shape our journey. Today, we shift our focus to the role of habits in shaping our identity and paving the way for a new future. This content was first written as sessions that were intended to be done in groups within organisations, charities and churches. You can read more about the history and beginnings of Navigate here. Each session is written to equip individuals and groups to navigate life’s complex journey. This blog series is our way of giving you a taster of this content and an insight into what Navigate is all about. If you think Navigate might be useful in your context, do let us know.
Signpost 10: I Can Choose a New Way
In the garden of life, habits are the supports that keep us upright and flourishing. Picture a young plant, gently tied to a pole. As it grows, this pole provides stability, enabling the plant to withstand the challenges of wind and time. Similarly, our habits provide the discipline and structure needed to stand strong.
James Clear’s words resonate: “True behaviour change is identity change.” Habits are reflections of who we are. Throughout this journey, we’ve explored the transformative journey of moving forward and letting go. Now, it’s time to align our habits with our desired identity. Consider the loop of habit and identity: Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits. Our journey has shown us that we can change our stories, becoming someone different. But this transformation begins with defining who we want to be and the habits that reflect that vision.
Pause for a moment of reflection. Cast your mind back to Session 1 and recall the horizon picture you painted for your journey. Where did you want to reach? Now, as we explore habits, consider the habits that are propelling you toward those goals and those that might hinder your progress.
Let’s share our insights and reflections on habits and identity. Every voice enriches our collective understanding. Feel free to ponder these questions:
- How do your current habits align with the identity you aspire to?
- What habits need to shift to bring your actions in line with your desired self?
In this session, we use an activity to dig into who who we want to be. Use the alphabet to create a list of 26 words that define who you want to be.Each word represents a facet of your desired identity. This exercise helps us visualise and define the traits we want to nurture within ourselves.
As we prepare to conclude this session, consider wh0at resonates with you the most. What will you take forward as you continue shaping your path of transformation? Remember that you possess the ability to choose a new way. Your habits shape your identity, and every intentional step forward transforms your tomorrow.
Before we conclude this session, consider what resonates with you most from today’s lesson. What will you carry forward as we continue our journey of transformation? As we part ways for now, remember that you possess the ability to choose a new way. Your habits shape your identity, and every intentional step forward transforms your tomorrow. In the next session we’ll consider how good it is to journey together. Stay tuned!
