As much as we like to think that we’re in control of every aspect of our lives, most of us are prisoners to certain patterns of behaviour. Think about how often the same thoughts run through your mind and how hard we have to fight to overcome them. We fall into those patterns of behaviour and thinking because of both personal and societal reasons. They become almost addictive and very difficult to kick. These behavioural patterns can be particularly hard to overcome for small business owners as we often put more pressure on ourselves than most others.

Joining us on this episode of Excellence Expected is Susie Heath who focuses on helping women avoid what she has termed the ‘Feminine Addiction Trap’. While Susie specializing in helping women, there is a great deal of insight and help that be applied to anyone who feels that they are being held back by their thoughts and behavioural patterns.

Susie’s going to be speaking during this episode about ways in which you can change your behavioural patterns so that you are not hampering your own potential and efforts. Susie has identified the seven areas that many people struggle with. If you see anything that resonates with you and your patterns of behaviour, then you may be holding yourself back. The areas are:

* Overs – The overs are behaviours when we are doing or feeling too much. For example, overworking, overindulging, overanalysing, overeating, overspending or over exercising. Engaging in any activity or behavioural pattern can lead you to being overwhelmed. You won’t get the best from yourself if that is the case. It can lead to burnout and take a toll on yourself and those around you.

* Unders: Unders are behaviours characterized by negative feelings such low self-esteem, ‘why me?’ syndrome, self-sabotage, self-judgement, depression and so on. Not feeling good enough all the time can take a terrible toll on the psyche and isn’t conducive to personal or professional excellence.

* Body Hatred: The anxiety of never looking good enough can make use hide and prevent us from putting ourselves out there where opportunities could be waiting. Love yourself and experience as much of the world as you can. The effect in your mental, physical and professional spheres will be profound. Remember, learning to love yourself is not a feeling, it’s a verb. It’s a doing thing.

* Addicted to the Impossible: The impossible standards that we set ourselves can lead to fear of failure and even fear of success. We all want to be perfect and to prove how good we are but usually we are just trying to live up to other’s expectations or perceived expectations. Forget perfection and strive for excellence instead.

* The Love Bug: Our personal relationships also be affected by this addiction trap. Some are happy flying solo, some are hit by the Disney effect and others prefer to be in their very own ‘Sex and the City’. These are archetypal behaviours though, so try and work out if they are indeed for you and if not, find out what is.

* Virtual Living: Spending too much time online is something we’re all guilty of but getting too addicted to virtual living can cause us to miss out on life. We need to relearn how to have each other.

* Mind the Gap: Often we feel like there is a gap within and many people try and fill it will different things such as alcohol, drugs, eating, caffeine, sugar or even thrill-seeking. Try and address what that gap is and take steps to try and fill it with something positive that will be a benefit to both yourself and your business.

Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast:

How can I avoid the feminine addiction trap?

About Susie:

Susie Heath is a writer, speaker and executive coach. She is the author behind Dance Your Way to the Top and The Essence of Womanhood. She’s here with us on this episode of the number one...