Emotional attachments are the glue that holds us together. They build strong families, loyal friendships, and thriving organisations. They shape identity and make us fiercely protective of what we
value. But here’s the rub: these same attachments can become roadblocks when change is necessary. Letting go of old habits, cherished relationships, or outdated ideas can feel like losing a part of ourselves. Brain science backs this up – studies show that areas of the brain linked to identity activate when we think about our “possessions,” both physical and emotional. Letting Go of Habits: The Leader’s Challenge
Here’s where leaders step in; creating an environment in which people are empowered to embrace change and redefine their identities while still honouring the past. Key to success is creating open dialogue to surface people’s concerns about the future and to find ways to ease the process of transition.
PRACTICAL TOOLS TO EASE THE WAY
Two simple tools that help people to let go of old habits and embrace new ones are the ‘Timeline Technique’ and the ‘Lose-Keep-Gain Grid’. You can find these on pages 105-111 of ‘The 5 Forces of Change: a blueprint for leading successful change’. Available on Amazon or via my website. Letting go of old habits.
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