Breaking old habits

By now, many of us have already broken our New Year’s resolutions.  One reason is that is that we often rely on brute-force willpower, which is not the most effective way to create new habits.  Wendy Wood, a leading authority on habits, states that you need three things to change a behavior into a habit (more here) 

1. Change context cues 

2. Repetition 

3. Rewards 

Wherever you are, it seems that people are always staring or at least glancing at their cell phones.  Let us examine how you can use these three strategies to reduce cell phone use. 

One method I use to change context cues: I put my phone on do not disturb from 9PM to 3PM each day.  So, I do not hear when I get text messages, phone calls, or emails.  You can also shut your phone off so that every time you look, you must power it up.  While that only takes about 15 seconds, it is sometimes enough to prevent you from checking it.  You can put your phone in your backpack, a zippered pocket, or somewhere where it is hard to reach. 

Whatever you choose to do to make using your phone more difficult, do it consistently, with repetition.  I remember as an athlete I was told to make something a habit you need to do it 21 days in a row.  Science however, has shown there really is no specific number.  You need to keep repeating it until you no longer think about it 

Thirdly, reward yourself for shutting off your phone and not checking it.  You can read a book, play an instrument you enjoy, talk with a member of your family, or maybe have a favorite snack.  It is important you give yourself a reward to help turn the behavior into a habit. 

At first it is going to be difficult to shut that phone off or put it away in your backpack.  However, as you continually repeat this action it will turn into a habit that you no longer think about. 

If you fall off the wagon, do not worry, it is not like you are starting from zero.  Just pick up the next day where you left off. 

Cell phone use might not be the habit you are trying to break.  These three strategies. However, work for developing or changing all habits.   

My challenge to you is to pick a habit either you’d like to either add or break.  Then get to work implementing these strategies. 

What is mising from college education?

During the Christmas break, I met with a former student for breakfast.  Since she is now in the workforce, I asked her, “Did college prepare you for your job?”  She mentioned that when she was at college, she was totally focused on the content.


As she continued to talk, it was apparent that the content she learned in college was important, but it was not something she used regularly.  The so-called soft skills—like listening to others and working on a team—on the other hand, were skills she needed daily.  She was a bit confused why schools paid so little attention to teaching listening, empathy, and team building.


Our conversation made me remember some research that I had read about at Google (.google research)  When Google was looking at the top eight qualities that made their employees successful, STEM expertise came in last.  Being a good coach, listening, and having empathy toward others were all traits listed above STEM skills.


These skills are not ones that usually come to mind when you think about engineers.  These soft skills might be more easily associated with a guidance counselor, but they were the difference-makers at Google.


As our conversation concluded, I asked her what advice she would give to my present-day students.  That was easy, she said.  No matter what your major is, work on listening, empathy, teamwork, and caring.  These are like any other skills in that you can get better at them with practice. No matter what you end up doing in life, these skills will be helpful—both personally and professionally emotional intelligence)


My challenge to you is to take one of these skills and try to improve your abilities.  I am going to be working on listening.

Maybe I will teach forever

My family was sitting down for Christmas dinner when my sister-in-law asked me, “When are you retiring from teaching?” “Maybe I will teach forever,” I replied. I could see the shock on her face as she paused before asking her next question: What motivates you?  

Hope. Working with my students each day gives me a feeling of hope for the future. Not only are my students intelligent but they are also caring. In the classroom, you often see them helping each other. Many of them have a passion for service that shows in their work in the community.

  

Second, when I get a chance to communicate with former students, it is truly an inspiring experience. It is awesome hearing their stories, how for some their dreams are coming true and for others they are equally excited that their dreams have changed. I am proud that I have had a chance to work with these young people and now witness the positive changes they are bringing about.  

Third, teaching is a profession where you constantly can improve. I am excited about how much of a better teacher I can become in the next two years. The feedback I get this year will help me improve for next year.  

It took me 38 years to figure out what I truly wanted to do with my life. Now that I have found it, I do not think I want to leave it.  

My sister-in-law shook her head: “You are lucky to do something you love every day.”  

I agree.