Ideas here are adapted from Atomic Habits by James Clear
Reflect on your habits from last module. What behaviors and activities were helpful for you? What activities and behaviors could be more effective for you? What processes would you like to try differently this module to become more effective at your work and as a software developer?
I still need to work on pre-teaching more and just having better time management practices. I've never given it consistent energy before, so I imagine that this will be a lifetime's work. I am implementing hard stop times and proritzing self-care more this week. Last week was a wash out for any sort of care. I am working indepth within my google calendar to timebox tasks and set aside time for needed breaks, meetings and so on.
Setting intentions for this module: who do I want to be this module? What specific habits would help me get there? How are those habits tied to the identity of a software developer?
I want to be more of a leader this mod. I want to do pre-teaching and extra learning so I can ask more questions in class. I have started in the SLC for FE Mod2. I want to be more balanced this time around and contributing.
After [classes], I will [go for an hour walk]. After [working/studying for 25 mins], I will [take a 5-10min break].
How to enjoy “hard” habits: Reframe your habits to consider their benefits rather than their drawbacks; name 3 habits that you have to do and explain the benefits of them. How do they further your goals longterm? How will they add to your processes as a successful developer? At the end of the day, how do they add to your life?
- Exercise for at least an hour daily
- This would improve my overall health, increase my confidence and change how I am percevied by myself and others.
- I just want to be healthier and have my idea of myself match my appearance.
- This helps with memory and learning, energy levels and is just a better use of time than Netflix.
- Going to bed on-time
- Literally everything would be better. I'd be better rested and set for day, more capable to deal with what is throw at me that day.
- Meal planning/prep
- This would reinforce the first two goals. If I am taking care of myself everything else should follow.
Environment design how does your environment set-up currently help you with your habits? How could it be improved to make it easier for you to follow through on your habits?
- My environment is not ideal, but my space is limited as I live with my mother and I have few single use spaces. My desk is where I learn, relax, eat, and plan. I need to make some corrections, obviously but I need to find the time to priortize them.
“When you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do.” Read this 4-min article on how to stop procrastinating. Apply the 2-minute rule to reframe 2-3 of your habits by scaling them down into the 2-minute version. How does this reframing help you think about shaping your new identity as a software developer?
After [classes], I will [put my walking shoes on]. Before [working/studying for 25 mins], I will [set a POM timer].
I think this relates to the setting a goal but focusing on the process. Walking everyday starts with putting my shoes on and taking better breaks starts with setting a timer. I think focuing on the process and breaking it down into baby steps is how to I intend to tackle most problems going forward.
Thanks for getting the Week 1 reflection in, @Estaffieri! I really appreciate your focus on exercise and well-being - since there is such a strong connection between doing that and prepping your brain to learn (as you noted). I wonder what it might look like to think about "scaling down" some of your habits in a 2-minute version - like when it comes to taking walks?