Often we recognize the patterns in our lives in an epiphany. We suddenly notice that some thought or behavior keeps appearing. We can learn a lot by being aware of what our patterns are.

Here are some strategies for keeping track of patterns:

To find where our patterns lie, keep a journal or indulge in list-making.
Go back over your history personally and professionally to identify recurring patterns.
What triggers you emotionally? That’s a way to find out where patterns lie.
Sometimes these feelings of Déjà vu are simply the noticing of your patterns.

Patterns can be found in how you habitually react to situation.

Recognizing the stumbling blocks in relationships is important in order to work through them. Have you ever noticed that you and your Life Partner tend to argue over the same things over and over?

The recognition of patterns at work is a good way to break through so you can move forward. One way to do that is to ask for feedback from trusted colleagues.

Noticing which patterns repeat gives us an opportunity to change.

Other words to describe life patterns are cycles and rhythms.

Seeing life’s patterns is a natural brain function—apophenia. This functions as a conduit to learn, make sense, and predict the world.

Some common life patterns are:

Narrative Choices—Based on the stories we tell ourselves, we can fall into the pattern of retelling our own negative narratives.
Behavioral Cycles—Sometimes we have unresolved behaviors that lead us to repetitive action.
Unlearned Lessons—Persistent lessons may repeat in our lives until we learn to change the negative to the positive.

In order to identify and shift patterns, work to notice what struggles keep reappearing in your life and identify your role in these struggles. Try to understand what emotions drive these behaviors and use this awareness to phase out patterns that don’t serve you. This will, in turn, lead to personal growth, which is a goal that will serve you in your life!