Mix in a Change Up

Leadership

One of the things I talk about all the time is consistency. Consistent this, consistent that, behaviors, actions, habits, you name it...be consistent. It's the consistent right behaviors over time that lead to results. But what if every now and then you threw a change-up? Instead of fastball after fastball, you threw an off-speed pitch just to keep people on their toes?

Pattern interrupts are important disruptions in routine to keep things interesting. In sales, they help get a potential client to shift their thinking so you can re-direct. At home, it can break the mundane and create a memory. In the office, it can make you more engaging and not so predictable.

"lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, 'Young man, your sins are forgiven.'" (Luke 5:19-20)

If you don't seem to be getting people's attention, perhaps it's because you are simply being too predictable. They already know what you're gonna say, how you're going to respond, or what you're going to do.

You have to throw them a curveball every now and then!

If you're the guy in the room who always says "no", or responds emotionally, try saying "yes" to a crazy idea or reacting with kind, calm understanding.

If you eat at the same time every meal, every day, and sit in the same seat, try sitting on the patio, having a game night, taking a walk, or a sandwich to the park.

If you are grinding through the same calls, day after day, and the calls all sound the same and seem to run together, talk about their dog or kids or last vacation. Anything to get their attention and to keep you interested.

Sometimes, when you just can't seem to get through the mundane of life, you need to tear a few tiles off the roof and make a big entrance to get noticed. Pick up your mat and walk. You have been lying there for too long. Fastballs are great, but mix in a change-up every now and then, and stay interesting.