Habits & Onions

During the Roman Period, which stretched from AD43-400, the UK enjoyed an introduction of a range of what was then deemed exotic foods, including the onion. But what has the humble onion got to do with coaching?

If we think about the coaching space as a place where you are invited to explore all your onions, I mean options and experiment with doing things differently, well, then we are essentially talking about changing your habits. James Clear suggests there are two ways of looking at changing your habits: (1) outcome-based habits; (2) identity-based habits. And the onion is a great way to illustrate the difference.   

Outcome-based habits start with the onion’s outer layer and is our desired outcome, in other words our goal. Let’s say that for me that is to lose some weight and feel happier in my skin. 

The second layer represents the process of getting to my desired outcome or goal. For me, that is likely to involved taking up running again and (sadly) cutting down on some of my treats which typically includes chocolate.

Finally, at the centre of the onion is what I will become – my identity: a slimmer, healthier version of me minus the chocolate!

I normally start off full of energy and determination to achieve my goal, but the enthusiasm tends to dwindle over time. I wonder why this is? And what can be done about it?  

The identity-based habits essentially turn the process upside-down, so we start at the centre of the onion with our identity. Who am I? And who do I want to become? Perhaps I want to be someone who prioritises my physical wellbeing? Once I own that identity and place this at the centre of my thinking, the smart thing is to align my processes for achieving my goal, the running and the healthier shopping basket, which is more likely to help me succeed.  

So, when we are thinking about changing our habits gaining some clarity about who we want to become rather than what we want to achieve seems the better option when thinking about long-term success; coaching can help provide the confidence to embrace those changes. 

References and acknowledgements: 

www.english-heritage.org.uk
Clear, J (2018). Atomic Habits. Penguin
Engin Akyurt and Cottonbro Studio