The one I'd recommend to others: Be awesome to one another

That is an interesting article. I was struck by this passage:

Researchers in the late 1960s discovered that humans are born with the capacity to approach challenges in four primary ways: analytically, procedurally, relationally (or collaboratively) and innovatively. At puberty, however, the brain shuts down half of that capacity, preserving only those modes of thought that have seemed most valuable during the first decade or so of life.

Is that really true?

As far as my personal habits go, there is one that trumps all others:

Constantly take on more work that you enjoy while constantly offloading work that you abhor.

Its not something that can happen over night but if you focus on it, you will end up doing what you love (at least that's my plan). This habit fits in nicely with the kaizen approach discussed in the article.

According to the article: "A good innovational thinker is always exploring the many other possibilities.” A good habit is to look at people in the same manner, by exploring possibilities. Think about the possible reasons why someone acted in a certain way or said what they did. This has helped me grow and think in new ways about people and things and is a habit that has allowed me to become a better leader and person.

Do the right thing, even if it's harder.

One habit that I continually evaluate myself on is from Stephen Covey's book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People". That habit is "Begin With the End in Mind". I think this is a very important habit to develop because before you start anything (whether it be a school assignment, a work project, a company, a house project, putting together a financial plan....whatever) you should try to visualize what it will be like when you're done, and then map out your plan to make sure you get there.

This is related to a favorite quote of mine from Yogi Berra, "If you don't know where you're going you'll never get there". I think it's very important to know exactly where you're heading and what success as you define it will be. This keeps you focused on the end result and gives you clear direction on where you're headed.

Do you have any habits that work so well for YOU that you would encourage others to develop that habit as well?

Please read the NY Times article, and then share your good habits.

"Good habits, which bring our lower passions and appetites under automatic control, leave our natures free to explore the larger experiences of life. Too many of us divide and dissipate our energies in debating actions which should be taken for granted."

by Ralph W. Sockman

Let other people be great. Also known as "listening for the gold." When others sense that you believe in them, it helps spur them to greater achievements.

Also, Never organize on the fly - you're more likely to remember where you found whatever it was than you are to remember where you subsequently stashed it. I guess if you are organized that doesn't help so much, but if you tend toward disorder, trust me, it's great advice. :)