Today, a thought-provoking tweet from Adam Grant deeply resonated with me. He suggests that we should view our opinions not as cherished possessions but as everyday clothes. He advises us to examine the views in our closet that were once trendy, discard those that now seem silly, wear the ideas that fit us today, and be ready to outgrow some of them tomorrow. Adam expressed this exceptionally well, giving me an “aha” moment about how to present an idea I’ve been championing for years in a much simpler framework.

As someone who regularly trains, coaches, and mentors youth leaders and entrepreneurs, I often emphasize the importance of revisiting and discarding outdated habits. Just because we’ve had a habit for a long time doesn’t mean it’s still serving us well. Inspired by Adam’s analogy, I realized that habits, much like clothes, need regular reassessment and curation.

The Closet of Habits

Imagine your habits as clothes hanging in your closet. Some items are timeless classics, always useful and versatile. Others are trendy pieces that served their purpose during a particular season of your life. And then there are those outdated, worn-out items that no longer fit or suit you. Yet, we often hold on to these habits, much like we do with clothes we know we’ll never wear again. Why? Because they feel familiar, comfortable, and sometimes because we’re simply resistant to change.

Why We Hold On

There are several reasons why we hold on to outdated habits:

• Comfort and Familiarity: Habits provide a sense of security and routine. Changing them can feel uncomfortable and unsettling.
• Fear of the Unknown: Letting go of a habit means stepping into uncharted territory. The uncertainty of new behaviors can be daunting.
• Identity Attachment: Our habits are often intertwined with our sense of self. Changing them can feel like losing a part of who we are.
• Perceived Effort: The effort required to change a habit can seem overwhelming. We convince ourselves that it’s easier to stick with the status quo.

The Cost of Outdated Habits

Holding on to outdated habits can be costly. They can stifle our growth, limit our potential, and prevent us from adapting to new opportunities. Just like wearing outdated clothes can make us look out of place, clinging to old habits can make us feel out of sync with our current goals and aspirations.

Curating Your Habit Closet

Here’s how you can apply Adam Grant’s analogy to your habits:

• Assess Regularly: Periodically take stock of your habits. Identify which ones are still serving you well and which ones have outlived their usefulness.
• Be Honest: It’s important to be brutally honest with yourself. Acknowledge the habits that no longer align with your current objectives or values.
• Declutter: Just as you would declutter your closet, get rid of habits that are holding you back. This might involve breaking old routines, setting new boundaries, or adopting different behaviors.
• Embrace Change: Embrace the discomfort that comes with change. Remember that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones.
• Try New Things: Experiment with new habits that align with your current goals. Be willing to try, fail, and adjust as necessary.
• Seek Feedback: Sometimes, we’re blind to our own outdated habits. Seek feedback from trusted mentors, friends, or colleagues to gain a fresh perspective.

A Personal Example

In my own life, I’ve had to reassess and discard many habits that no longer served me. For instance, I used to work late into the night, believing it was a sign of dedication and hard work. However, as I grew older and my responsibilities increased, I realized this habit was detrimental to my health and overall productivity. By discarding this habit and prioritizing a more balanced work schedule, I found myself more energized, focused, and effective in my work.

Conclusion

Habits, much like clothes, need regular reassessment and curation. Just because a habit has been with us for a long time doesn’t mean it’s still serving us well. Inspired by Adam Grant’s analogy, I encourage you to take a fresh look at your own habits. Identify those that are outdated and no longer fit, and be willing to discard them. Embrace new habits that align with your current goals and aspirations. Remember, growth often requires change, and the most successful people are those who are willing to adapt and evolve.

By regularly assessing and curating our habits, we can ensure that we are always wearing the ideas and behaviors that fit us best today while being ready to outgrow some of them tomorrow. This is a practice I have been advocating for years to the people I train, coach, and mentor. Adam Grant’s perspective gave me a fresh, simple framework to communicate this important message. Let’s embrace the power of change and keep our habit closets well-curated for a successful and fulfilling life.