Hi, I'm Gregory Brown.
My goal is to help software developers get better at what they do, whether they've been at it for five weeks or fifty years.
(he/him)
Two things that I've tried a little differently in the last couple years, which seem to have been helpful in starting the New Year.
1) Taking as much time as I can off around year end (This year I took 16 days). This helps both with recharging and getting a burst of energy, and also (more importantly) with getting back to a clean slate. I find it easier to make lifestyle changes when I've had some time to step away from my ordinary automatic habits and routines.
2) Changing lots of things at once, but all related to a singular common theme. This is a little different than what you've recommended in the article but sort of similar in spirit. I adjusted my approach after realizing that any time I try to change just one habit at a time I'm not patient enough to do that, but if I try a bunch of (individually very small) modifications to my routine all at once that have a common goal, I can let some succeed, let some fail, and learn from what worked and what didn't.
These are the things that seem to be working for me, but I'm also super curious about what others think on this topic.
Marketing Specialist at Dreamix nurturing audience engagement through content, with a passion for technology, new software, and gadgets that revolutionize the working experience.
As far as making multiple small changes at a time, I see what you mean. There is a time to do just that, try out a few things and see what sticks and what is more of an inconvenience than anything else.
My advice goes more for big changes that each deserve their own attention. For example, while making a complete change in diet could be very beneficial to getting healthy, if you couple that with insane amounts of workouts and strict sleeping schedule (each healthy in moderation)- chances are you will reach a burnout that is a long way from being healthy.
I also agree with you on the necessity to take a break to recharge and start fresh. I personally reached burnout and week-long migraines because I was too stubborn to work full time along with the university. While it is doable, a couple of paid leaves, strategically placed throughout the year are godsent to maintaining health, along with responsibilities.
Hi, I'm Gregory Brown.
My goal is to help software developers get better at what they do, whether they've been at it for five weeks or fifty years.
(he/him)
I agree, if you're trying to hit three different goals at once (improve sleep, workout, and diet) you will end up overwhelmed.
Instead my approach would be to pick one of those things, like "improve sleep" and then design a bunch of changes around that.
Buy blackout curtains
Improve bedding / bed if possible
Stay off the screen an hour before bed
Brew a cup of chamomile tea shortly before bed
Sit by a window and get some sunlight first thing in the morning
Eat breakfast as soon as I wake up because this helps reset your internal clock.
These are just examples, but the idea is I go into a change knowing I won't stick to all of these, but if even a handful succeed, I will have made progress towards my goal.
Those who can be patient enough to focus on just one microhabitat at a time definitely can and should take that route. But since that never quite worked for me personally, this is my workaround. 😀
Marketing Specialist at Dreamix nurturing audience engagement through content, with a passion for technology, new software, and gadgets that revolutionize the working experience.
This is such a perfect breakdown! It means so much to me that you are invested in the topic and share your experience as well in the discussion.
I do think your approach is very helpful, I have done it in this way, however, I do have to say I have subconsciously doing this rather than planning it out from the get-go.
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This is great stuff, thanks for sharing it!
Two things that I've tried a little differently in the last couple years, which seem to have been helpful in starting the New Year.
1) Taking as much time as I can off around year end (This year I took 16 days). This helps both with recharging and getting a burst of energy, and also (more importantly) with getting back to a clean slate. I find it easier to make lifestyle changes when I've had some time to step away from my ordinary automatic habits and routines.
2) Changing lots of things at once, but all related to a singular common theme. This is a little different than what you've recommended in the article but sort of similar in spirit. I adjusted my approach after realizing that any time I try to change just one habit at a time I'm not patient enough to do that, but if I try a bunch of (individually very small) modifications to my routine all at once that have a common goal, I can let some succeed, let some fail, and learn from what worked and what didn't.
These are the things that seem to be working for me, but I'm also super curious about what others think on this topic.
Well, I have to admit you make great points.
As far as making multiple small changes at a time, I see what you mean. There is a time to do just that, try out a few things and see what sticks and what is more of an inconvenience than anything else.
My advice goes more for big changes that each deserve their own attention. For example, while making a complete change in diet could be very beneficial to getting healthy, if you couple that with insane amounts of workouts and strict sleeping schedule (each healthy in moderation)- chances are you will reach a burnout that is a long way from being healthy.
I also agree with you on the necessity to take a break to recharge and start fresh. I personally reached burnout and week-long migraines because I was too stubborn to work full time along with the university. While it is doable, a couple of paid leaves, strategically placed throughout the year are godsent to maintaining health, along with responsibilities.
I agree, if you're trying to hit three different goals at once (improve sleep, workout, and diet) you will end up overwhelmed.
Instead my approach would be to pick one of those things, like "improve sleep" and then design a bunch of changes around that.
These are just examples, but the idea is I go into a change knowing I won't stick to all of these, but if even a handful succeed, I will have made progress towards my goal.
Those who can be patient enough to focus on just one microhabitat at a time definitely can and should take that route. But since that never quite worked for me personally, this is my workaround. 😀
This is such a perfect breakdown! It means so much to me that you are invested in the topic and share your experience as well in the discussion.
I do think your approach is very helpful, I have done it in this way, however, I do have to say I have subconsciously doing this rather than planning it out from the get-go.