How to break the (bad) pattern

Computers are a system of hardware that runs through software – a set of instructions that’s installed on it. When you want different outputs from the system, you can either change the hardware, the software or both. Humans are a far more complex system but still, work similarly.

Each individual, business, or organization has a portfolio of both good and bad patterns. The corporations are relying on complex structures of patterns, systems and processes. 

Think of a scenario when you’re a business owner and you’d like to improve your business results. What are your options? In this case, the hardware is in itself a complex system – could be a store, building, equipment, a team, etc. The software includes strategy, tactics, product presentation, marketing systems, etc. 

If you want better results, you might want to change the hardware system – maybe a new location, new equipment, hire new people or change the software – review your strategy, approach a new client niche, etc.

Patterns are the kind of behaviour that repeats almost automatically, without us being aware. Some of them are beneficial to us, some are quite bad. When you’re looking at your business and you’re not quite sure why you’re not getting better results, it could be a case of a bad pattern.

Imagine a bad pattern like a program that you put on ‘’auto’’ and forgot about it, therefore it’s running somehow in the background, but you don’t think of it and you’re not paying attention. But the effects are there.

Sometimes, when you want different results, you don’t need to make a huge change, but very small changes, incremental and consistent. An airplane that changes course by just 1 degree can land hundreds of miles away from the initial destination, given enough time. The same can happen to any pattern affecting your business.

The first step towards breaking the pattern, since it’s automatic and not apparent is to identify it. Run an inventory of all your systems, strategy, human resources, marketing, etc. Look at the operating manual of your business – is everything in place, as it should be? Sometimes an outside input with a fresh outlook can support you to see a different perspective.

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Consequently, see how the pattern you just identified is affecting the overall results. Sometimes, it’s not that the pattern is bad in itself, it could be just how you use it.

The third step, probably the most important is to break the pattern. If you find it cannot be adjusted to turn it into a positive outcome-producing pattern, then you need to disable it. However, another option can be to start tweaking it and see better results.