- 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?
A good trait of a software developer is continuous practice! Programming is like learning another language, the more you use it, the more familiar with it you become. This leads into the next good trait of a software developer is understanding. Like most languages, you are not going to learn every little nuance there is to the language and how every single little thing works. As long as you have your go-to's memorized that you use on a daily/weekly basis and you know where you can go to make acquire and implement the extra knowledge, you will be a great developer.
A good trait in the workplace is something that can demonstrate efficient results every time it is produced. Usually, we stick with good traits because they make us feel good and we are able to use them to accomplish our tasks. You may have a one-off thing that you have to do on a specific implementation that would work only for that one, but good traits are going to carry you though 95% of the time.
A co-worker would think of someone like that as "How can I implement some of their strategies and strengths into my own that will help me more productive?". It's all about asking yourself questions that will help you develop an action plan, not just "answer" something. This will create a lasting change.
- What are the habits that this person demonstrates to embody the identity of a software developer?
Something they can do on a daily basis, with a smile on their face and show genuine happiness and empathy for it. They know that what they are doing will make them productive, has a chance of making others around them more productive, shows the boss that you are reliable and creates well thought and user friendly experiences for the end users.
- 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 an empathetic software developer that designs software with all users in mind. While this can be incredibly challenging, I think it is incredibly important as you are making products that are intended for others to use. Knowing the exact user experience, how your code will run, how it will protect your users and many other things will separate a good developer from a great developer. Having a bigger focus on semantic tags for me for screen readers will be really important moving forward.
- 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.
Wake up: ++++ Turn off Alarm: ---- Check Phone: ++-+ Reading: ++++ Meditation: ++++ Studying: ++++ Rest time: --+- Family time: +-++ Note taking: ++++ Note reading: --+-
- 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)
After [Meditation], I will [Exercise] at [8:00am] in [the neighborhood]. I feel like I dont have as much energy at times sitting at the computer throughout the day. Exercising my physical body rather than just mentally or emotionally will be incredibly beneficial for me as it is being neglected right now.
- 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?
Move my phone away so when it is a break time, instead of jumping on the phone, go do a quick workout. Upper body, lower body, mid body at different intervals rather than all at once. Motivated myself with "What's in it for me?" and "What am I doing right now that is taking me closer to my goals?". Plan specific time to decompress so when I am supposed to be working, I am working and when I am supposed to be relaxing, I am relaxing.
- 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?
This is going really well to start. I feel like things that I "had" to sacrifice have been re-incorporated into my life and that makes me far more energized than if I don't "have" time for it. it is pretty easy for me to stay motivated when I see the results. Sometimes I need to look forward 2-3 weeks because the results won't show right away. More confidence in my past self that things that I decide for myself will be great for that.