Ideas here are adapted from Atomic Habits by James Clear
Habits of a Software Developer
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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?
Good traits of a software developer are that they are detail oriented, a team player, effective communicator, empathetic and competent. In the workplace, I think they would be approachable, willing to work with others and would leave their ego at the door. They would understand that this is a team effort and we are all working towards a common goal. As a co-worker, I would think that this individual is an asset to the company, someone I would definitely want to work with/for and that they had the qualities of a good leader.
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What are the habits that this person demonstrates to embody the identity of a software developer?
The habits of this person might include, asking clarifying questions of others, requesting their input.
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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?
The kind of software developer I want to be is the one that I mentioned above. I want to be inclusive of everyone, rely on their strengths and assist them with their weaknesses. The approach I will take is to approach every scenario with an open mind, being receptive of their beliefs and thoughts regardless if I agree with them.
Working on the 1st Law of Behavior Change: Make it Obvious
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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.
snooze alarm -, make coffee +, spend morning with family +, work through lunch -, work through dinner -, work late in to the night -,
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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)
I will spend time with my family during dinner every night and make time for them on the weekends.
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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?
One way that I can enforce this new habbit, is by forcing myself to spend family time after class is over before jumping on to work on projects.
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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?
Implementing this habbit has been effective, I'm able to give more time to my wife and children which is reducing stress for all of us.
Additional Optional Reading: The Five Triggers That Make New Habits Stick