You must have been on a different planet if you did not see something this past week or two related to Breaking Bad. There are almost 2 BILLION web references on Google, nearly 6 million Facebook likes and #GoodbyeBreakingBad on Twitter was being added at over 100 per minute during the season finale, which broke records, delivering 47% more viewers than the last season finale.
I have yet to see one episode. But I have seen plenty of episodes of people damaging their personal brand because of bad habits which they need to break. There is a simple 5 step approach to breaking those bad habits.
1. Be
All too often we are so wrapped up in the next action or step we forget where we are now. Be present. First you need to be aware of the bad habits that are damaging your personal brand. That can be as simple as reviewing where you are in your career, life or business in comparison to where you want to be. If you are not where you want to be what are you doing to jeopardize that? Or seek the input of a few close friends or associates who’s opinion you value and ask them if they feel you are living up to your potential.
2. Break
The continual cycle of bad habits needs to be broken. You want to have to desire to do something about it. Start to consider what it will be like when you have effected the change. How do you want your personal brand to be perceived? Spend time building up a very clear picture. How are you going to feel? Connect to the emotions to help you make the change.
3. Bound
You have to be committed and take responsibility. The usual ‘research’ suggests that it takes 21 days to change a habit. That may be so, but to really appreciate and see the effects can take a lot longer. You have to be willing to stay the course. To be honest making a change for 21 days is relatively easy. But are you going to feel the same about it in 90 or 180 days?
4. Believe
One of the clear indications of a strong brand is consistency. Not only do you have to be clear about what you want your personal brand to look like, you have to be consistent with the actions that will help you get there. You must be sure that you are going to get there.
5. Backbone
Stepping back to what you did before is tempting. After all the bad habits were easy, that is why you had and supported them in the first place. You have top remain steadfast in your determination to make it.
Career Hacker Suggestion
Bounce – be ready for the fact that it is not going to all go your way. Circumstances change. Situations arise. But bottom line is that you wanted to be breaking bad personal brand habits for a reason. The reason has not changed. Just be ready to take a detour or two along the way.