Habits of a Software Developer
What do you think are the traits of a good software developer? What are they like in the workplace? What would you as a co-worker think of this person?
I think that a software developer needs to be inclusive, collaborative, and able to problem solve. I'd hope that most software developers are somewhat like students in my cohort, inclusive, helpful, and easily approachable. I'd be really happy to work with someone like that.
I think this person would have great time management skills, be prompt and prepared. Making it a habit to be early to every meeting. I think they are also very good at problem solving and have created habits (ie. POMS) that help them to be successful with problem solving.
Who do you want to be as a software developer? What kind of behaviors do you already have in place to be that person? What behaviors would you need to put into place? How will you do that?
I want to be a problem solver, and I also want to be creative with my code, thinking about it in ways others don't. I want my work to be effective and efficient and by making refactoring a habit in my work now will lead me to be better in the workforce. I also want to master my time management, not be too obsessed with it but be aware of when to start and stop a project. I've been making habits now in my work and give myself an allotted time to work on a specific task, no matter where I am when time is up I need to step away from it.
Bring self-awareness to your current habits by making a Habits Scorecard. Make a list of your daily habits (examples: wake up, turn off alarm, check phone, etc.) as a way to bring awareness to what you do. Then, decide how effective that habit is for you and your goal of becoming a software developer. Put a + next to habits that are effective; put a - next to habits that are not effective; put a = next to habits that are neutral.
Pick 1 new habit you'd like to build and create an implementation intention following this template: "I will [BEHAVIOR] at [TIME] in [LOCATION]." Then, stack the habit onto something you already do: "After [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT]." (Hint: make this highly specific and immediately actionable)
A new habit I would like to incorporate into my day is stretching and focusing on my breathing in the morning! After I turn on my coffee maker I will use that time to stretch and focus on my breathing.
Design your environment for success: what changes could you make in your space to better implement your habit? How could you remove any triggers for bad habits? How will you implement these changes?
To better implement my habit I want to set up my yoga mat in my living room to be a reminder to stretch and breathe while my coffee is going.
Respond after a few days of this implementation: What are your results? How do you feel about this method? How will you move forward with this habit?
My results are good but I have good days and bad days. I will go really well for a couple days and then lose it for a couple and then get it back. I'm still working to remind myself to do it & to not let stress of the day ahead get in the way. I think I am doing well and will continue on this progress!