2 answers
Lynne
Student
Redmond, Washington
2
Questions
Updated
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How to start a habit?
I want to stop procrastinating so much. I know I am intelligent. I am a college senior, and I need to figure out what population of people I want to work with, in what capacity. I'm so lost!
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2 answers
Kyle Thompson
Industrial Engineer
3
Answers
Redlands, California
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
First off, pretty much everyone struggles with procrastination, so you are not alone! Especially with how fast technology is, it can be hard to focus on what you want to pursue. Understanding that you are procrastinating and recognizing you don't want to do it as much is a great first step!
Everyone is different on what works for them, so I would try out a couple of different methods and see what sticks for you. Personally, I do well with timeboxing my days. I will give myself from 9am-10am to do a certain task I know takes 30 minutes. If I take a little long to get started, its ok since I still have time to complete that item. (Don't beat yourself up when you struggle to get started, just try and overcome it next time) However, if I do the item early then I have time to either relax before my next item or get started early. I was surprised how often I ended up just starting the next item and before I knew it, I finished my to-do list!
Regarding the other part of your question about finding who you want to work with, I would start with what you enjoy. If you had some classes in college that felt like they just "clicked", what do those classes have in common? Do they all relate to a similar topic or idea? Was there a certain skill you used in those classes? Once you have something you're interested in, networking with individuals in those fields is a great next step. Goodluck on your career journey!
Everyone is different on what works for them, so I would try out a couple of different methods and see what sticks for you. Personally, I do well with timeboxing my days. I will give myself from 9am-10am to do a certain task I know takes 30 minutes. If I take a little long to get started, its ok since I still have time to complete that item. (Don't beat yourself up when you struggle to get started, just try and overcome it next time) However, if I do the item early then I have time to either relax before my next item or get started early. I was surprised how often I ended up just starting the next item and before I knew it, I finished my to-do list!
Regarding the other part of your question about finding who you want to work with, I would start with what you enjoy. If you had some classes in college that felt like they just "clicked", what do those classes have in common? Do they all relate to a similar topic or idea? Was there a certain skill you used in those classes? Once you have something you're interested in, networking with individuals in those fields is a great next step. Goodluck on your career journey!
Ilan Marouani, Esq., LL.M.
Tax Attorney
14
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ilan’s Answer
To start a habit it is pretty simple, just start it. The goal probably is to maintain it.
The best advice I can give you is that for a habit to be established for you and in your life, you need to keep at it for 3 months. That is about the time for a habit to feel like a norm, and for you to feel like it is part of your day to day.
Depending on what the habit is, I would say that daily or at least weekly reminder of it, or doing it would be the best course. BUT!! do not just say "I'll set an hour for this everyday."
The problem with these general statements, is that you might do it for a day or two, and then on day 10 you are too tired, or busy, or have better things to do, and a few weeks down the line you just abandoned it.
You need to set up a time and day, block your calendar, cut everything and do it. I know it sounds excessive, but that is the best way to maintain your goal of making a habit into a natural thing for you.
Depending again on the habit itself, I would advise to start small,; Let's say you need to spend 2 hours swimming everyday to achieve your goal. Don't start by going 2 hours to the pool out of the blue. First start with a small objective. First week maybe go for 30 mins; Then gradually increase the time. Second week move it up to 40 or 45 mins, week 3 to 50 mins... All of that will reinforce what you did the previous weeks, push you closer to your goal, and you will feel and see improvements which should give you additional motivation to keep on going.
Good luck!!
The best advice I can give you is that for a habit to be established for you and in your life, you need to keep at it for 3 months. That is about the time for a habit to feel like a norm, and for you to feel like it is part of your day to day.
Depending on what the habit is, I would say that daily or at least weekly reminder of it, or doing it would be the best course. BUT!! do not just say "I'll set an hour for this everyday."
The problem with these general statements, is that you might do it for a day or two, and then on day 10 you are too tired, or busy, or have better things to do, and a few weeks down the line you just abandoned it.
You need to set up a time and day, block your calendar, cut everything and do it. I know it sounds excessive, but that is the best way to maintain your goal of making a habit into a natural thing for you.
Depending again on the habit itself, I would advise to start small,; Let's say you need to spend 2 hours swimming everyday to achieve your goal. Don't start by going 2 hours to the pool out of the blue. First start with a small objective. First week maybe go for 30 mins; Then gradually increase the time. Second week move it up to 40 or 45 mins, week 3 to 50 mins... All of that will reinforce what you did the previous weeks, push you closer to your goal, and you will feel and see improvements which should give you additional motivation to keep on going.
Good luck!!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Lynne