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? Answer: The most helpful behavior for me was keeping a daily/weekly agenda and generally scheduling my daily tasks at the same times so as to get into a good routine. Processes that I'd like to start incorporating would be to learn to plan and organize project work more efficiently through the use of the Github projects tool.
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? Answer: I want to be an organized developer who uses their time efficiently. I also want to be focused on being more well-rounded rather than putting all my focus into a given project. I think this would mean setting aside time to self-review previous and up-coming lessons, work on ruby exercises, and do pd work. This relates to professional development because as a professional I will need to be continuously learning and expanding beyond the confines of one specific project.
Incorporate temptation bundling to create a new habit by using this template: After [CURRENT HABIT], I will [HABIT I NEED TO DO]. After [HABIT I NEED], I will [HABIT I WANT TO DO].
After I finish work for the night, I will review my planner and write the next day's schedule. After updating planner, I will relax with girlfriend and watch some netflix.
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? Answer:
Daily stretching furthers my longterm goals by reducing back pain and improving my sleep. This will help with retaining new knowledge and focus and energy. At the end of the day I will be a better, more knowledgeable and efficient programmer which will mean a more successful career.
Keeping up with my daily planner will make me a more efficient programmer and person in general. I will be able to get more done and waste less time which will lead to more productivity, meaning a more successful career and life.
Working on Ruby exercises will keep me on the learning path. This will keep me from getting stuck on details of programs that could potentially take extra time and focus away from project completion. Being able to stay on task while workin on a project rather than having to take time out to read through ruby docs and do an impromptu lesson will mean more productive struggle and focus.
Environment design (optional 5-min. additional reading: Motivation is Overvalued. Environment Often Matters More): 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?
Answer: I was fortunate enough to inherit my previous roomate's room as my office when he moved out. I've kept it very empty aside from my desk and have opted to keep my gaming pc out of the office and have hung some new artwork and put in some color-changing leds. So far the space has been very conducive to keeping focus, I enjoy being in there very much and hope I will be fortunate enough to have a space like this in the future after I move out of this apartment. I think it could be improved by including a standing desk which I plan to do soon.
“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?
Answer: For me personally it isn't getting into the habit of working so much as it is to keep from neglecting other habits that will keep me happy and diverse. I've always been able to keep up with staying in shape but have never been so involved in something so time consuming. Showing up for myself in ways othe than school has been difficult but I find that when I do focus on geting a workout in, meal prepping, getting good sleep, etc, I am more efficient with my schoolwork and happier in general. The key I think is setting aside time in my schedule so that I dont push things aside and work through that time.