318. Establish Good Habits That Accelerate Your Career

When we think about habits, we often When we think about habits, we often think about bad habits. From spending think about bad habits. From spending think about bad habits. From spending too much time on our phones to avoiding too much time on our phones to avoiding too much time on our phones to avoiding the things that we know we need to do, the things that we know we need to do, the things that we know we need to do, but habits can be incredibly powerful. but habits can be incredibly powerful. but habits can be incredibly powerful. They can keep us moving forward well They can keep us moving forward well They can keep us moving forward well beyond our initial surge of enthusiasm. beyond our initial surge of enthusiasm. beyond our initial surge of enthusiasm. But establishing these good habits can But establishing these good habits can But establishing these good habits can be difficult. Let's talk about how to do be difficult. Let's talk about how to do be difficult. Let's talk about how to do that in today's episode of Dev that in today's episode of Dev that in today's episode of Dev Questions. >> Software development is more than just >> Software development is more than just writing code. So let's talk about the writing code. So let's talk about the writing code. So let's talk about the rest of it. Specifically, let's talk rest of it. Specifically, let's talk rest of it. Specifically, let's talk about establishing good habits as a about establishing good habits as a about establishing good habits as a software developer. And then we'll software developer. And then we'll software developer. And then we'll transition into some good habits transition into some good habits transition into some good habits developers should have as well as developers should have as well as developers should have as well as finally we'll talk about some finally we'll talk about some finally we'll talk about some recommended reading if you want to go recommended reading if you want to go recommended reading if you want to go deeper. And let's start with the an deeper. And let's start with the an deeper. And let's start with the an illustration from my own life and how I illustration from my own life and how I illustration from my own life and how I established a good habit that stuck established a good habit that stuck established a good habit that stuck around. I've spent a lot of time working around. I've spent a lot of time working around. I've spent a lot of time working on building good habits because this is on building good habits because this is on building good habits because this is not natural and especially for me it not natural and especially for me it not natural and especially for me it feels like it's just not natural. So, as feels like it's just not natural. So, as feels like it's just not natural. So, as a software developer, I'm a software a software developer, I'm a software a software developer, I'm a software developer, I'm a trainer, I'm a business developer, I'm a trainer, I'm a business developer, I'm a trainer, I'm a business owner, I spend a lot of time at my desk, owner, I spend a lot of time at my desk, owner, I spend a lot of time at my desk, which is not ideal physically, which is not ideal physically, which is not ideal physically, but then, you know, that takes a lot of but then, you know, that takes a lot of but then, you know, that takes a lot of time, but then I also have a family I time, but then I also have a family I time, but then I also have a family I want to spend time with, and I want to, want to spend time with, and I want to, want to spend time with, and I want to, you know, do chores around the house. I you know, do chores around the house. I you know, do chores around the house. I cook supper sometimes. I mow a lawn. I cook supper sometimes. I mow a lawn. I cook supper sometimes. I mow a lawn. I get that stuff done. And then I have my

get that stuff done. And then I have my get that stuff done. And then I have my hobbies. I'm a amateur photographer, and hobbies. I'm a amateur photographer, and hobbies. I'm a amateur photographer, and I try and do other things as well. I try and do other things as well. I try and do other things as well. there's not a lot of extra time it there's not a lot of extra time it there's not a lot of extra time it always feels like. And so one of the always feels like. And so one of the always feels like. And so one of the things that that often gets dropped by things that that often gets dropped by things that that often gets dropped by me and it part of it is just being a me and it part of it is just being a me and it part of it is just being a little lazy is I don't go to the gym. little lazy is I don't go to the gym. little lazy is I don't go to the gym. And so that was something I've been And so that was something I've been And so that was something I've been working on. I'm I'm like I need to go working on. I'm I'm like I need to go working on. I'm I'm like I need to go back to the gym. I need to get back in back to the gym. I need to get back in back to the gym. I need to get back in the gym and be more intentional about the gym and be more intentional about the gym and be more intentional about working out. working out. working out. And so I have all of these books and And so I have all of these books and And so I have all of these books and I've got I'll have four of them for you I've got I'll have four of them for you I've got I'll have four of them for you at the end that we'll talk more about. at the end that we'll talk more about. at the end that we'll talk more about. Uh, no, it's not promotional video at a Uh, no, it's not promotional video at a Uh, no, it's not promotional video at a a promotional link. Um, but I've read a promotional link. Um, but I've read a promotional link. Um, but I've read the books. I've worked through it. I've the books. I've worked through it. I've the books. I've worked through it. I've worked on myself to be more worked on myself to be more worked on myself to be more intentionally, more uh focused on on intentionally, more uh focused on on intentionally, more uh focused on on building good habits and establishing building good habits and establishing building good habits and establishing good habits. And I've got a lot of good good habits. And I've got a lot of good good habits. And I've got a lot of good habits, especially around my business habits, especially around my business habits, especially around my business and around creating content, etc. But and around creating content, etc. But and around creating content, etc. But this is one where I just hadn't done it this is one where I just hadn't done it this is one where I just hadn't done it for a long time and I needed to get back for a long time and I needed to get back for a long time and I needed to get back to that. And so I applied some of these to that. And so I applied some of these to that. And so I applied some of these techniques in order to really get myself techniques in order to really get myself techniques in order to really get myself back in the gym. And that's what I'm back in the gym. And that's what I'm back in the gym. And that's what I'm doing now. And I love it. It's I had a doing now. And I love it. It's I had a doing now. And I love it. It's I had a lot of fun, but there were things that lot of fun, but there were things that lot of fun, but there were things that that I it I did that have set me out up that I it I did that have set me out up that I it I did that have set me out up for success in a way that I've not had for success in a way that I've not had for success in a way that I've not had in previous times where, you know, you in previous times where, you know, you in previous times where, you know, you get that initial urge like I'm going to get that initial urge like I'm going to get that initial urge like I'm going to go to the gym. I'm going to the gym, you go to the gym. I'm going to the gym, you go to the gym. I'm going to the gym, you know, five times a week and you go two know, five times a week and you go two know, five times a week and you go two days and you're like, I didn't do it days and you're like, I didn't do it days and you're like, I didn't do it anymore or I don't want to do it anymore or I don't want to do it anymore or I don't want to do it anymore. Um, this is why New Year's Day

anymore. Um, this is why New Year's Day anymore. Um, this is why New Year's Day is is rough at the gym because is is rough at the gym because is is rough at the gym because everyone's there the day after. They're everyone's there the day after. They're everyone's there the day after. They're always there to, you know, start that always there to, you know, start that always there to, you know, start that New Year's resolution and then by day New Year's resolution and then by day New Year's resolution and then by day three or four that it's just empty three or four that it's just empty three or four that it's just empty again. again. again. So, I did things intentionally based So, I did things intentionally based So, I did things intentionally based upon what I've done in my professional upon what I've done in my professional upon what I've done in my professional life that applied here and have really life that applied here and have really life that applied here and have really set myself up for long-term success at set myself up for long-term success at set myself up for long-term success at the gym, which I am seeing. So, here's the gym, which I am seeing. So, here's the gym, which I am seeing. So, here's the techniques that I used and that I've the techniques that I used and that I've the techniques that I used and that I've pulled from a lot of resources to really pulled from a lot of resources to really pulled from a lot of resources to really make sure that I understand how to do make sure that I understand how to do make sure that I understand how to do this well. Um, number one is set this well. Um, number one is set this well. Um, number one is set yourself up for success. So yourself up for success. So yourself up for success. So too often we get these, you know, that too often we get these, you know, that too often we get these, you know, that the our eyes are bigger than our the our eyes are bigger than our the our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, right? When it comes to that's stomachs, right? When it comes to that's stomachs, right? When it comes to that's a thing my parents always used to say a thing my parents always used to say a thing my parents always used to say say was I get to the table, I'm like, I say was I get to the table, I'm like, I say was I get to the table, I'm like, I want everything and your eyes are too want everything and your eyes are too want everything and your eyes are too big for your stomach. You you want more big for your stomach. You you want more big for your stomach. You you want more than you can actually do. Well, the same than you can actually do. Well, the same than you can actually do. Well, the same is true for anything in life is when you is true for anything in life is when you is true for anything in life is when you get enthusiastic about it, you say, I'm get enthusiastic about it, you say, I'm get enthusiastic about it, you say, I'm gonna do it all, right? So if you're a gonna do it all, right? So if you're a gonna do it all, right? So if you're a software developer or learning software software developer or learning software software developer or learning software development, you're like, I am going to development, you're like, I am going to development, you're like, I am going to study 20 hours a week. That just isn't study 20 hours a week. That just isn't study 20 hours a week. That just isn't going to happen. You are not setting going to happen. You are not setting going to happen. You are not setting yourself up for success. What you're yourself up for success. What you're yourself up for success. What you're setting yourself up for is maybe a week setting yourself up for is maybe a week setting yourself up for is maybe a week or two of doing that before you feel or two of doing that before you feel or two of doing that before you feel guilty about it, before you feel dragged guilty about it, before you feel dragged guilty about it, before you feel dragged down by it, before you feel overwhelmed down by it, before you feel overwhelmed down by it, before you feel overwhelmed by it, and you feel resentful for even by it, and you feel resentful for even by it, and you feel resentful for even doing it. And at some point, you're doing it. And at some point, you're doing it. And at some point, you're going to give up. That's almost always going to give up. That's almost always going to give up. That's almost always what happens. So instead, set yourself

what happens. So instead, set yourself what happens. So instead, set yourself up for success. And that means making up for success. And that means making up for success. And that means making sure that you are not taking more than sure that you are not taking more than sure that you are not taking more than you should. Making sure that you are you should. Making sure that you are you should. Making sure that you are setting a timing up. So for me, when it setting a timing up. So for me, when it setting a timing up. So for me, when it came to the gym, came to the gym, came to the gym, I'm busy. I got a lot of stuff to do. I'm busy. I got a lot of stuff to do. I'm busy. I got a lot of stuff to do. And I'm not a morning person. So I could And I'm not a morning person. So I could And I'm not a morning person. So I could have said, I'm going to get up at, you have said, I'm going to get up at, you have said, I'm going to get up at, you know, 7 in the morning. Go to the gym, know, 7 in the morning. Go to the gym, know, 7 in the morning. Go to the gym, you know, five days a week, 7 in the you know, five days a week, 7 in the you know, five days a week, 7 in the morning. I'll be miserable. I'll be morning. I'll be miserable. I'll be morning. I'll be miserable. I'll be miserable. It will last for three days. miserable. It will last for three days. miserable. It will last for three days. It will last for a week. Um, it just It will last for a week. Um, it just It will last for a week. Um, it just won't last because I'm going to be won't last because I'm going to be won't last because I'm going to be miserable. I'm gonna wake up one morning miserable. I'm gonna wake up one morning miserable. I'm gonna wake up one morning and go, I don't feel like it. And roll and go, I don't feel like it. And roll and go, I don't feel like it. And roll over, go back to sleep. And then the over, go back to sleep. And then the over, go back to sleep. And then the next day, it gets even easier to say, I next day, it gets even easier to say, I next day, it gets even easier to say, I don't feel like it. And go back to don't feel like it. And go back to don't feel like it. And go back to sleep. So, I set myself up for success. sleep. So, I set myself up for success. sleep. So, I set myself up for success. One of the things I noticed was I was One of the things I noticed was I was One of the things I noticed was I was looking for what's the time? What's the looking for what's the time? What's the looking for what's the time? What's the time where I can say yes, this works in time where I can say yes, this works in time where I can say yes, this works in this spot? Because the gym is about 15 this spot? Because the gym is about 15 this spot? Because the gym is about 15 minutes away from me. Um, that means, minutes away from me. Um, that means, minutes away from me. Um, that means, you know, round trip is half an hour.

you know, round trip is half an hour. you know, round trip is half an hour. So, you got to take half an hour plus So, you got to take half an hour plus So, you got to take half an hour plus whatever time you take to the gym. So, whatever time you take to the gym. So, whatever time you take to the gym. So, at least an hour to an hour and a half, at least an hour to an hour and a half, at least an hour to an hour and a half, more realistically, an hour and a half more realistically, an hour and a half more realistically, an hour and a half at least, um, of time. So, that's a lot at least, um, of time. So, that's a lot at least, um, of time. So, that's a lot of time. And I can't just say I'll do it of time. And I can't just say I'll do it of time. And I can't just say I'll do it at noon. That isn't going to work at noon. That isn't going to work at noon. That isn't going to work either. So, the way my schedule works is either. So, the way my schedule works is either. So, the way my schedule works is I have I work, you know, pretty hard. I I have I work, you know, pretty hard. I I have I work, you know, pretty hard. I try and get up at 5:30 um earlier try and get up at 5:30 um earlier try and get up at 5:30 um earlier sometimes if I going to cook supper and sometimes if I going to cook supper and sometimes if I going to cook supper and then I try and spend time in that time then I try and spend time in that time then I try and spend time in that time between 5:30 and 8:30ish 9:00 where I'm between 5:30 and 8:30ish 9:00 where I'm between 5:30 and 8:30ish 9:00 where I'm available or I can, you know, maybe even available or I can, you know, maybe even available or I can, you know, maybe even play some games and do some other things play some games and do some other things play some games and do some other things that kind of refresh me, refresh, you that kind of refresh me, refresh, you that kind of refresh me, refresh, you know, spend time with my family, etc. know, spend time with my family, etc. know, spend time with my family, etc. And then I get time in the evening where And then I get time in the evening where And then I get time in the evening where I spend more time. Maybe I'm back to I spend more time. Maybe I'm back to I spend more time. Maybe I'm back to playing games again or maybe I'm doing playing games again or maybe I'm doing playing games again or maybe I'm doing other things. And one of the things I other things. And one of the things I other things. And one of the things I found was that there are times in the found was that there are times in the found was that there are times in the evening where I'm like evening where I'm like evening where I'm like I don't know anything else to do is I'll I don't know anything else to do is I'll I don't know anything else to do is I'll just watch a movie or I'll watch a you just watch a movie or I'll watch a you just watch a movie or I'll watch a you know TV show or I'll I'll play a little know TV show or I'll I'll play a little know TV show or I'll I'll play a little more of World of Warcraft or something more of World of Warcraft or something more of World of Warcraft or something else. So those times, what I said was, else. So those times, what I said was, else. So those times, what I said was, you know what, I can set myself up for you know what, I can set myself up for you know what, I can set myself up for success by saying, hey, when I have success by saying, hey, when I have success by saying, hey, when I have those times, I'm going to go work out.

those times, I'm going to go work out. those times, I'm going to go work out. I'm going to aim for three days a week I'm going to aim for three days a week I'm going to aim for three days a week where I'm going to go during those times where I'm going to go during those times where I'm going to go during those times where I'm like, what else can I do? I'm where I'm like, what else can I do? I'm where I'm like, what else can I do? I'm a night person. Not a problem. So, I'll a night person. Not a problem. So, I'll a night person. Not a problem. So, I'll go at 10:30, 11 o'clock at night to the go at 10:30, 11 o'clock at night to the go at 10:30, 11 o'clock at night to the gym and go work out. So, I set myself up gym and go work out. So, I set myself up gym and go work out. So, I set myself up for success by saying, "Here is the time for success by saying, "Here is the time for success by saying, "Here is the time that I have. It's not going to be every that I have. It's not going to be every that I have. It's not going to be every night. It's not going to be something night. It's not going to be something night. It's not going to be something where it's going to get bumped very where it's going to get bumped very where it's going to get bumped very often by other things." And so, that often by other things." And so, that often by other things." And so, that works for me. I had a friend of mine who works for me. I had a friend of mine who works for me. I had a friend of mine who was not is not a u a night person. So, was not is not a u a night person. So, was not is not a u a night person. So, what he would do is he worked at a what he would do is he worked at a what he would do is he worked at a certain point and go, "You know what? certain point and go, "You know what? certain point and go, "You know what? I'm up at 4. I'll get up at four and I'm up at 4. I'll get up at four and I'm up at 4. I'll get up at four and finish it." And so, for him, the morning finish it." And so, for him, the morning finish it." And so, for him, the morning was the time. And so he would do things was the time. And so he would do things was the time. And so he would do things in the morning because that's what in the morning because that's what in the morning because that's what worked for his schedule. And so that worked for his schedule. And so that worked for his schedule. And so that could be your thing. But set yourself up could be your thing. But set yourself up could be your thing. But set yourself up for success, especially when it comes to for success, especially when it comes to for success, especially when it comes to timing. Figure out where is this work timing. Figure out where is this work timing. Figure out where is this work and where's going to be the least and where's going to be the least and where's going to be the least disruptive thing. So if you set yourself disruptive thing. So if you set yourself disruptive thing. So if you set yourself up for I'm going to do, you know, up for I'm going to do, you know, up for I'm going to do, you know, software development training uh software development training uh software development training uh Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from this time to this time. Well, make sure this time to this time. Well, make sure this time to this time. Well, make sure that your Saturdays don't get bumped all that your Saturdays don't get bumped all that your Saturdays don't get bumped all the time. And if they do, maybe you the time. And if they do, maybe you the time. And if they do, maybe you figure out a different time on Saturday.

figure out a different time on Saturday. figure out a different time on Saturday. Maybe it's Saturday evening or Saturday Maybe it's Saturday evening or Saturday Maybe it's Saturday evening or Saturday morning or whatever. morning or whatever. morning or whatever. Number two, set your inner monologue up Number two, set your inner monologue up Number two, set your inner monologue up for success as well. Okay? Make sure you for success as well. Okay? Make sure you for success as well. Okay? Make sure you have an inner monologue that's telling have an inner monologue that's telling have an inner monologue that's telling you good things. And that means you have you good things. And that means you have you good things. And that means you have to tell it what your inner monologue is. to tell it what your inner monologue is. to tell it what your inner monologue is. Too often we're passive with our inner Too often we're passive with our inner Too often we're passive with our inner monologue where we listen to how we monologue where we listen to how we monologue where we listen to how we feel. And you know, I don't feel like feel. And you know, I don't feel like feel. And you know, I don't feel like working out today. And so that's what working out today. And so that's what working out today. And so that's what you're thinking. I don't feel like it. I you're thinking. I don't feel like it. I you're thinking. I don't feel like it. I don't feel like it. And that's passive. don't feel like it. And that's passive. don't feel like it. And that's passive. That is letting your your body, your That is letting your your body, your That is letting your your body, your mind, whatever, kind of drag you down. mind, whatever, kind of drag you down. mind, whatever, kind of drag you down. And instead, what you have to do is is And instead, what you have to do is is And instead, what you have to do is is talk to your inner monologue and say, "I talk to your inner monologue and say, "I talk to your inner monologue and say, "I am a person who works out." Okay? So, I am a person who works out." Okay? So, I am a person who works out." Okay? So, I am a person who uh likes to do this. I'm am a person who uh likes to do this. I'm am a person who uh likes to do this. I'm a person who is going to enjoy this. I a person who is going to enjoy this. I a person who is going to enjoy this. I am I will do that because it is going to am I will do that because it is going to am I will do that because it is going to be good for me and you start telling be good for me and you start telling be good for me and you start telling yourself these things and you work at yourself these things and you work at yourself these things and you work at pushing back what your brain is telling pushing back what your brain is telling pushing back what your brain is telling you. My brain is super lazy. My brain you. My brain is super lazy. My brain you. My brain is super lazy. My brain wants to do nothing but veg out, right?

wants to do nothing but veg out, right? wants to do nothing but veg out, right? I don't want to do work. I don't want to I don't want to do work. I don't want to I don't want to do work. I don't want to do the things that I like to do do the things that I like to do do the things that I like to do sometimes even. I just want to sit and sometimes even. I just want to sit and sometimes even. I just want to sit and be a vegetable. And that's not good. And be a vegetable. And that's not good. And be a vegetable. And that's not good. And so instead of allowing that to say, so instead of allowing that to say, so instead of allowing that to say, well, that's how I am. It's who I am. well, that's how I am. It's who I am. well, that's how I am. It's who I am. You need to push back at that and tell You need to push back at that and tell You need to push back at that and tell your inner monologue, this is what I am. your inner monologue, this is what I am. your inner monologue, this is what I am. So use I am statements. I am a person So use I am statements. I am a person So use I am statements. I am a person who works out. I am a person who wants who works out. I am a person who wants who works out. I am a person who wants to be better in the career. I am a to be better in the career. I am a to be better in the career. I am a person who works hard. I am a person. person who works hard. I am a person. person who works hard. I am a person. And tell yourself these things. So with And tell yourself these things. So with And tell yourself these things. So with that, number three is is similar is you that, number three is is similar is you that, number three is is similar is you might need to lie to your brain. And might need to lie to your brain. And might need to lie to your brain. And that sounds weird because you're like, that sounds weird because you're like, that sounds weird because you're like, I I know the answer. I know the truth. I I know the answer. I know the truth. I I know the answer. I know the truth. Right? Well, is it the truth or is it Right? Well, is it the truth or is it Right? Well, is it the truth or is it just a lie you've already believed just a lie you've already believed just a lie you've already believed because your brain lies to you all the because your brain lies to you all the because your brain lies to you all the time and it's time to lie back, fight time and it's time to lie back, fight time and it's time to lie back, fight fire with fire. Um, it may be that you fire with fire. Um, it may be that you fire with fire. Um, it may be that you need to say to yourself, I'm going to need to say to yourself, I'm going to need to say to yourself, I'm going to use the illustration working out. I use the illustration working out. I use the illustration working out. I can't wait to work out. Okay? And you can't wait to work out. Okay? And you can't wait to work out. Okay? And you know what? Right now, your brain might know what? Right now, your brain might know what? Right now, your brain might be saying, "Yeah, right. I don't want to be saying, "Yeah, right. I don't want to be saying, "Yeah, right. I don't want to work out. I can't wait to work out. I work out. I can't wait to work out. I work out. I can't wait to work out. I can't wait to work out." And before long can't wait to work out." And before long can't wait to work out." And before long you'll find that you started to to you'll find that you started to to you'll find that you started to to believe your own lie and it becomes the believe your own lie and it becomes the believe your own lie and it becomes the truth. And this is not a bad thing, truth. And this is not a bad thing, truth. And this is not a bad thing, right? Like you are you are telling right? Like you are you are telling right? Like you are you are telling yourself something that you you're yourself something that you you're yourself something that you you're turning you're kind of manifesting it.

turning you're kind of manifesting it. turning you're kind of manifesting it. You're you're working on saying, you You're you're working on saying, you You're you're working on saying, you know what, I'm going to I'm going to know what, I'm going to I'm going to know what, I'm going to I'm going to push back on my brain who is hurting me. push back on my brain who is hurting me. push back on my brain who is hurting me. I'm going to push back and try and get I'm going to push back and try and get I'm going to push back and try and get something good out of this. Now, part of something good out of this. Now, part of something good out of this. Now, part of this is just emphasizing the good and this is just emphasizing the good and this is just emphasizing the good and ignoring the bad. You know, ah, my hips ignoring the bad. You know, ah, my hips ignoring the bad. You know, ah, my hips hurting me. Ah, my knee is hurting me. I hurting me. Ah, my knee is hurting me. I hurting me. Ah, my knee is hurting me. I mean, I'm in my late late 40s. mean, I'm in my late late 40s. mean, I'm in my late late 40s. Everything feels like it hurts. And I'm Everything feels like it hurts. And I'm Everything feels like it hurts. And I'm sure that 10 years from now, it'll be sure that 10 years from now, it'll be sure that 10 years from now, it'll be worse. So, I understand that my body worse. So, I understand that my body worse. So, I understand that my body tells me all the time, you're too old tells me all the time, you're too old tells me all the time, you're too old for this. You know what? Nope. The good for this. You know what? Nope. The good for this. You know what? Nope. The good is I'm going to feel better. I do feel is I'm going to feel better. I do feel is I'm going to feel better. I do feel better. I do like this. and you start better. I do like this. and you start better. I do like this. and you start telling yourself those things and telling yourself those things and telling yourself those things and ignoring the bad things. Lie to your ignoring the bad things. Lie to your ignoring the bad things. Lie to your brain. Say up your inner in inner brain. Say up your inner in inner brain. Say up your inner in inner monologue for success. Make sure that monologue for success. Make sure that monologue for success. Make sure that you're taking command of your own you're taking command of your own you're taking command of your own thoughts instead of being led by your thoughts instead of being led by your thoughts instead of being led by your thoughts. Work on that. And sometimes it thoughts. Work on that. And sometimes it thoughts. Work on that. And sometimes it comes down to just saying, "I'm going to comes down to just saying, "I'm going to comes down to just saying, "I'm going to believe this even though I don't think believe this even though I don't think believe this even though I don't think it's true."

it's true." it's true." And number four, start small. And number four, start small. And number four, start small. Too often when people get enthusiastic, Too often when people get enthusiastic, Too often when people get enthusiastic, they start huge. And like I said, when they start huge. And like I said, when they start huge. And like I said, when you start huge, that 20our a week you start huge, that 20our a week you start huge, that 20our a week training, what happens is that you do it training, what happens is that you do it training, what happens is that you do it for a while, but it starts to drag on for a while, but it starts to drag on for a while, but it starts to drag on you and it starts to feel like a burden you and it starts to feel like a burden you and it starts to feel like a burden and it just weighs you down. It's super and it just weighs you down. It's super and it just weighs you down. It's super hard to push through. It's like walking hard to push through. It's like walking hard to push through. It's like walking in chest deep water. You just don't make in chest deep water. You just don't make in chest deep water. You just don't make good progress. It feels like you you're good progress. It feels like you you're good progress. It feels like you you're pushing ahead. you're going to get pushing ahead. you're going to get pushing ahead. you're going to get through hours and hours of content. through hours and hours of content. through hours and hours of content. You're not really actually doing that You're not really actually doing that You're not really actually doing that much. Start small much. Start small much. Start small and then build up over time. And and then build up over time. And and then build up over time. And sometimes give yourself permission to do sometimes give yourself permission to do sometimes give yourself permission to do just a little. So, in the gy gym just a little. So, in the gy gym just a little. So, in the gy gym illustration, um it could be I'm going illustration, um it could be I'm going illustration, um it could be I'm going to go to the gym. I'm going to work out to go to the gym. I'm going to work out to go to the gym. I'm going to work out for 10 minutes. 10 minutes. I'm I'm for 10 minutes. 10 minutes. I'm I'm for 10 minutes. 10 minutes. I'm I'm going to do this one machine. That's it. going to do this one machine. That's it. going to do this one machine. That's it. And you know what? You're going to get And you know what? You're going to get And you know what? You're going to get there and do that one machine. You're there and do that one machine. You're there and do that one machine. You're like, "Wow, I could do a couple more like, "Wow, I could do a couple more like, "Wow, I could do a couple more sets. You know, I could do that machine sets. You know, I could do that machine sets. You know, I could do that machine over there, too." And that kind of over there, too." And that kind of over there, too." And that kind of builds up over time. But what you're builds up over time. But what you're builds up over time. But what you're saying is, "No, I only have to do this."

saying is, "No, I only have to do this." saying is, "No, I only have to do this." And some days you're not going to feel And some days you're not going to feel And some days you're not going to feel it. And you're going to do that one one it. And you're going to do that one one it. And you're going to do that one one machine and walk out. You're still machine and walk out. You're still machine and walk out. You're still successful. You did the thing you said successful. You did the thing you said successful. You did the thing you said you Yeah. It's not a big step. And and you Yeah. It's not a big step. And and you Yeah. It's not a big step. And and too often we think these massive steps too often we think these massive steps too often we think these massive steps are what we need to take in order to get are what we need to take in order to get are what we need to take in order to get to our goal. It's not. It's a whole to our goal. It's not. It's a whole to our goal. It's not. It's a whole bunch of small steps consistently over bunch of small steps consistently over bunch of small steps consistently over time. So just take small steps. It's time. So just take small steps. It's time. So just take small steps. It's much better because you're much more much better because you're much more much better because you're much more likely to actually keep going. So for me likely to actually keep going. So for me likely to actually keep going. So for me when I started it was just three when I started it was just three when I started it was just three machines and a minimum of 20 minutes. machines and a minimum of 20 minutes. machines and a minimum of 20 minutes. That was it. That was three machines and That was it. That was three machines and That was it. That was three machines and 20 minutes. And I've never been there 20 minutes. And I've never been there 20 minutes. And I've never been there for just 20 minutes. My lowest time is for just 20 minutes. My lowest time is for just 20 minutes. My lowest time is probably like 40. Uh because I'm already probably like 40. Uh because I'm already probably like 40. Uh because I'm already there. I'm already doing the work. I there. I'm already doing the work. I there. I'm already doing the work. I might as well, you know, do one more might as well, you know, do one more might as well, you know, do one more rep. do one more set, do you know a few rep. do one more set, do you know a few rep. do one more set, do you know a few more minutes on the treadmill and that more minutes on the treadmill and that more minutes on the treadmill and that stuff makes an impact because I'm doing stuff makes an impact because I'm doing stuff makes an impact because I'm doing I'm I'm successful just by showing up. I'm I'm successful just by showing up. I'm I'm successful just by showing up. But by doing a little more and just But by doing a little more and just But by doing a little more and just doing what I can while I'm there, I feel doing what I can while I'm there, I feel doing what I can while I'm there, I feel better. I do more. So start small.

better. I do more. So start small. better. I do more. So start small. Number five, don't expect to be perfect. Number five, don't expect to be perfect. Number five, don't expect to be perfect. um John Auff and I have a couple of his um John Auff and I have a couple of his um John Auff and I have a couple of his books re recommendations but in a books re recommendations but in a books re recommendations but in a different book um he talks about what to different book um he talks about what to different book um he talks about what to do after your first failure because in do after your first failure because in do after your first failure because in his book finish so in finish he talks his book finish so in finish he talks his book finish so in finish he talks about the fact that you know so often about the fact that you know so often about the fact that you know so often the way we we failed our goals is not the way we we failed our goals is not the way we we failed our goals is not all at once but it's we we miss one and all at once but it's we we miss one and all at once but it's we we miss one and then then that we use that as an excuse then then that we use that as an excuse then then that we use that as an excuse to miss the next one and that becomes an to miss the next one and that becomes an to miss the next one and that becomes an excuse to miss the next one becomes a excuse to miss the next one becomes a excuse to miss the next one becomes a snowball and So what ends up happening snowball and So what ends up happening snowball and So what ends up happening is we don't just fail entirely, we fail is we don't just fail entirely, we fail is we don't just fail entirely, we fail a little bit and we use that as the next a little bit and we use that as the next a little bit and we use that as the next stumbling block for the next thing. stumbling block for the next thing. stumbling block for the next thing. Don't expect perfection. It's okay to Don't expect perfection. It's okay to Don't expect perfection. It's okay to miss something. It's okay that you have miss something. It's okay that you have miss something. It's okay that you have something came up or you were sick or something came up or you were sick or something came up or you were sick or you know you just didn't feel like it. you know you just didn't feel like it. you know you just didn't feel like it. And you know what? Don't use that an And you know what? Don't use that an And you know what? Don't use that an excuse. Don't feel like I can just you excuse. Don't feel like I can just you excuse. Don't feel like I can just you know skip whenever. But don't also be know skip whenever. But don't also be know skip whenever. But don't also be the one that then gets in your head and the one that then gets in your head and the one that then gets in your head and beats yourself up. Don't look at it as I beats yourself up. Don't look at it as I beats yourself up. Don't look at it as I missed. I missed. I I can't believe I missed. I missed. I I can't believe I missed. I missed. I I can't believe I missed. I'm not a good, you know, I'm missed. I'm not a good, you know, I'm missed. I'm not a good, you know, I'm not good at going to the gym. I'm not uh not good at going to the gym. I'm not uh not good at going to the gym. I'm not uh a person who works out. Remember, go a person who works out. Remember, go a person who works out. Remember, go back to your brain and start telling back to your brain and start telling back to your brain and start telling yourself the truth or even a a lie you yourself the truth or even a a lie you yourself the truth or even a a lie you want to be true. You want to reset your want to be true. You want to reset your want to be true. You want to reset your your thought process. It's about look at your thought process. It's about look at your thought process. It's about look at how much you have done in the past and how much you have done in the past and how much you have done in the past and look at what you're going to do next.

look at what you're going to do next. look at what you're going to do next. Okay. When I talk to developers about Okay. When I talk to developers about Okay. When I talk to developers about how do you learn software development how do you learn software development how do you learn software development because software development is more because software development is more because software development is more than about learning just syntax. Um when than about learning just syntax. Um when than about learning just syntax. Um when you learn syntax, you're you're not even you learn syntax, you're you're not even you learn syntax, you're you're not even a junior developer really. Even though a junior developer really. Even though a junior developer really. Even though you know most of if not all of syntax, you know most of if not all of syntax, you know most of if not all of syntax, it's about how learning how to apply it's about how learning how to apply it's about how learning how to apply that and you've gone through and done that and you've gone through and done that and you've gone through and done the work and and put in that effort. the work and and put in that effort. the work and and put in that effort. Well, Well, Well, that that's a whole mountain of work and that that's a whole mountain of work and that that's a whole mountain of work and it's a whole it's like looking at at the it's a whole it's like looking at at the it's a whole it's like looking at at the Mount Everest when you're at base camp. Mount Everest when you're at base camp. Mount Everest when you're at base camp. We just look up and up and up and you're We just look up and up and up and you're We just look up and up and up and you're like, man, there's so far to go, but like, man, there's so far to go, but like, man, there's so far to go, but look at where you've come from. You're look at where you've come from. You're look at where you've come from. You're at base camp now. Go 100 more feet. at base camp now. Go 100 more feet. at base camp now. Go 100 more feet. Okay? Don't expect perfection, but get Okay? Don't expect perfection, but get Okay? Don't expect perfection, but get that next 100 feet down the road. that next 100 feet down the road. that next 100 feet down the road. Number six, celebrate success and ignore Number six, celebrate success and ignore Number six, celebrate success and ignore failure. This kind of goes along with failure. This kind of goes along with failure. This kind of goes along with it. Don't be perfect. Forgive yourself. it. Don't be perfect. Forgive yourself. it. Don't be perfect. Forgive yourself. You're going to make mistakes. You're You're going to make mistakes. You're You're going to make mistakes. You're going to be imperfect. You're going to going to be imperfect. You're going to going to be imperfect. You're going to fail. Celebrate your successes. Ignore fail. Celebrate your successes. Ignore fail. Celebrate your successes. Ignore your failure. And finally on this list, your failure. And finally on this list, your failure. And finally on this list, number seven, schedule it. So when I number seven, schedule it. So when I number seven, schedule it. So when I looked at, you know, how do I set myself looked at, you know, how do I set myself looked at, you know, how do I set myself up for success? One of the things I up for success? One of the things I up for success? One of the things I looked at was what's that time? And so I looked at was what's that time? And so I looked at was what's that time? And so I scheduled it. And now it it's on the scheduled it. And now it it's on the scheduled it. And now it it's on the schedule. So I do Monday, Wednesday, schedule. So I do Monday, Wednesday, schedule. So I do Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Um although my gym is not open Friday. Um although my gym is not open Friday. Um although my gym is not open late enough on Friday some some I do late enough on Friday some some I do late enough on Friday some some I do Saturday instead or and if I do that Saturday instead or and if I do that Saturday instead or and if I do that sometimes I'll I'll do you know Monday sometimes I'll I'll do you know Monday sometimes I'll I'll do you know Monday from that but if I do Friday I might do from that but if I do Friday I might do from that but if I do Friday I might do you know uh Sunday and then I'll start

you know uh Sunday and then I'll start you know uh Sunday and then I'll start on Tuesday th like I have a bit of on Tuesday th like I have a bit of on Tuesday th like I have a bit of adjustment wiggle room. Not like it's a adjustment wiggle room. Not like it's a adjustment wiggle room. Not like it's a in stone thing. I have to do it at this in stone thing. I have to do it at this in stone thing. I have to do it at this time, but I know my brain it's been two time, but I know my brain it's been two time, but I know my brain it's been two days. It's time to go. Like today, it's days. It's time to go. Like today, it's days. It's time to go. Like today, it's been two days. It's time to go tonight. been two days. It's time to go tonight. been two days. It's time to go tonight. Right? So, I want to get to the gym. So, Right? So, I want to get to the gym. So, Right? So, I want to get to the gym. So, again, my thought process, how I'm doing again, my thought process, how I'm doing again, my thought process, how I'm doing it. Basically, all this comes down to it. Basically, all this comes down to it. Basically, all this comes down to being intentional in our actions, our being intentional in our actions, our being intentional in our actions, our calendars, and our thoughts. That's what calendars, and our thoughts. That's what calendars, and our thoughts. That's what it comes down. Intentionality. So let's it comes down. Intentionality. So let's it comes down. Intentionality. So let's talk about some categories of valuable talk about some categories of valuable talk about some categories of valuable habits for software developers. And habits for software developers. And habits for software developers. And we'll keep this brief, but number one, we'll keep this brief, but number one, we'll keep this brief, but number one, balanced lives. So this is one I've balanced lives. So this is one I've balanced lives. So this is one I've worked at throughout my career. I had a worked at throughout my career. I had a worked at throughout my career. I had a really good mentor early on in the really good mentor early on in the really good mentor early on in the process. I was 17 working as an intern process. I was 17 working as an intern process. I was 17 working as an intern and I had a a boss who really believed and I had a a boss who really believed and I had a a boss who really believed in me, not just in the work I could do. in me, not just in the work I could do. in me, not just in the work I could do. And he talked to me about living a And he talked to me about living a And he talked to me about living a balanced life and about how, you know, balanced life and about how, you know, balanced life and about how, you know, he became a workaholic for a while he became a workaholic for a while he became a workaholic for a while because he was, you know, so focused on because he was, you know, so focused on because he was, you know, so focused on getting this done that he forgot that he getting this done that he forgot that he getting this done that he forgot that he had a family and that really caused some had a family and that really caused some had a family and that really caused some damage and he had to recover from that.

damage and he had to recover from that. damage and he had to recover from that. And he said, you know, learn from my And he said, you know, learn from my And he said, you know, learn from my mistakes instead of making the same mistakes instead of making the same mistakes instead of making the same mistakes and that really helped me mistakes and that really helped me mistakes and that really helped me figure out how do I do this well and how figure out how do I do this well and how figure out how do I do this well and how do I start working on this? And it's not do I start working on this? And it's not do I start working on this? And it's not easy. It's not perfect and you will easy. It's not perfect and you will easy. It's not perfect and you will never be, you know, never be, you know, never be, you know, fully successful in every area of your fully successful in every area of your fully successful in every area of your life. You're always going to want more. life. You're always going to want more. life. You're always going to want more. And that's, you know, work is hard and And that's, you know, work is hard and And that's, you know, work is hard and you're going to have to do a lot of hard you're going to have to do a lot of hard you're going to have to do a lot of hard work in order to to provide for your work in order to to provide for your work in order to to provide for your family or to provide for yourself or family or to provide for yourself or family or to provide for yourself or whatever the case may be. And that often whatever the case may be. And that often whatever the case may be. And that often feels like it comes first. But then you feels like it comes first. But then you feels like it comes first. But then you know in your off time you're like man I know in your off time you're like man I know in your off time you're like man I just want to you know do my own thing or just want to you know do my own thing or just want to you know do my own thing or I want to play games or I want to I want to play games or I want to I want to play games or I want to whatever and you got to figure out how whatever and you got to figure out how whatever and you got to figure out how to maintain a balanced life. And so set to maintain a balanced life. And so set to maintain a balanced life. And so set good habits can really be helpful. I good habits can really be helpful. I good habits can really be helpful. I went through a time in my life and I've went through a time in my life and I've went through a time in my life and I've told a story before but I went through a told a story before but I went through a told a story before but I went through a time in my life where I was working 50 time in my life where I was working 50 time in my life where I was working 50 60 hours a week at my day job and then I 60 hours a week at my day job and then I 60 hours a week at my day job and then I was also going to school online was also going to school online was also going to school online full-time.

full-time. full-time. And I'm also a bit of a perfectionist. I And I'm also a bit of a perfectionist. I And I'm also a bit of a perfectionist. I had to get straight A's. Um, but I also had to get straight A's. Um, but I also had to get straight A's. Um, but I also had young kids and I was married. So, I had young kids and I was married. So, I had young kids and I was married. So, I also had a family. And so, trying to also had a family. And so, trying to also had a family. And so, trying to figure out how do I do all of this well figure out how do I do all of this well figure out how do I do all of this well was very difficult. But by having was very difficult. But by having was very difficult. But by having already set up some good practices in my already set up some good practices in my already set up some good practices in my life, I was able to figure out how do I life, I was able to figure out how do I life, I was able to figure out how do I give each category enough. And so, that give each category enough. And so, that give each category enough. And so, that took a lot of work. But setting up those took a lot of work. But setting up those took a lot of work. But setting up those good habits early on was allowed me to good habits early on was allowed me to good habits early on was allowed me to do more than I thought I ever could. do more than I thought I ever could. do more than I thought I ever could. Number two, continual growth through Number two, continual growth through Number two, continual growth through practice. It's important as software practice. It's important as software practice. It's important as software developers that we continue to grow. developers that we continue to grow. developers that we continue to grow. Otherwise, what happens is we start to Otherwise, what happens is we start to Otherwise, what happens is we start to fall behind. I've worked with a number fall behind. I've worked with a number fall behind. I've worked with a number of people and a number of companies that of people and a number of companies that of people and a number of companies that fell behind because they they stopped fell behind because they they stopped fell behind because they they stopped growing and they did the work, they put growing and they did the work, they put growing and they did the work, they put their head down, get the work done, and their head down, get the work done, and their head down, get the work done, and the world changed around them. and it's the world changed around them. and it's the world changed around them. and it's very hard to get back on the track. very hard to get back on the track. very hard to get back on the track. That may mean that you have to do things That may mean that you have to do things That may mean that you have to do things outside of work. Your job may not be outside of work. Your job may not be outside of work. Your job may not be setting you up for success. And setting you up for success. And setting you up for success. And while I wish this was not the case, your while I wish this was not the case, your while I wish this was not the case, your job does not owe you anything in your job does not owe you anything in your job does not owe you anything in your career. Your job is not required to make career. Your job is not required to make career. Your job is not required to make your career better.

your career better. your career better. I think they should think of you as a I think they should think of you as a I think they should think of you as a human and they should treat you as a human and they should treat you as a human and they should treat you as a person they want to see succeed long person they want to see succeed long person they want to see succeed long term, but they don't always. We have to term, but they don't always. We have to term, but they don't always. We have to embrace reality. And so sometimes that embrace reality. And so sometimes that embrace reality. And so sometimes that means practicing outside of work. I know means practicing outside of work. I know means practicing outside of work. I know it's hard, but setting those habits up it's hard, but setting those habits up it's hard, but setting those habits up can mean that you do it effectively. can mean that you do it effectively. can mean that you do it effectively. Number three, career reviews. This Number three, career reviews. This Number three, career reviews. This doesn't have to be every month, but you doesn't have to be every month, but you doesn't have to be every month, but you should be thinking about on a regular should be thinking about on a regular should be thinking about on a regular basis, whether it's quarterly or every basis, whether it's quarterly or every basis, whether it's quarterly or every six months, where you're re probably not six months, where you're re probably not six months, where you're re probably not more than six months, probably more than six months, probably more than six months, probably quarterly, where you are reviewing where quarterly, where you are reviewing where quarterly, where you are reviewing where am I in my career, not at my job, in my am I in my career, not at my job, in my am I in my career, not at my job, in my career, where I want to be, am I making career, where I want to be, am I making career, where I want to be, am I making progress towards that? Because too often progress towards that? Because too often progress towards that? Because too often people put their heads down and they people put their heads down and they people put their heads down and they just work and they let their heads up just work and they let their heads up just work and they let their heads up and they're like, "Wait, I'm not where I and they're like, "Wait, I'm not where I and they're like, "Wait, I'm not where I wanted to be. I I want to be somewhere wanted to be. I I want to be somewhere wanted to be. I I want to be somewhere else. But you can't start walking in a else. But you can't start walking in a else. But you can't start walking in a direction and then never look up because direction and then never look up because direction and then never look up because what you're going to do is you're not what you're going to do is you're not what you're going to do is you're not going to hit your goal. So a good habit going to hit your goal. So a good habit going to hit your goal. So a good habit is to be continually reviewing your is to be continually reviewing your is to be continually reviewing your career. Make sure you're on the right career. Make sure you're on the right career. Make sure you're on the right path. It will save you years. It will path. It will save you years. It will path. It will save you years. It will put you in a such a better place. Number put you in a such a better place. Number put you in a such a better place. Number four, learning new things. You should four, learning new things. You should four, learning new things. You should have a habit of learning new things have a habit of learning new things have a habit of learning new things because again because again because again life changes and whether you wish it life changes and whether you wish it life changes and whether you wish it were this way or not everything changes were this way or not everything changes were this way or not everything changes about software development seemingly about software development seemingly about software development seemingly every year or two there is so much

every year or two there is so much every year or two there is so much change goes on. You might say well I change goes on. You might say well I change goes on. You might say well I wish they would stop making changes but wish they would stop making changes but wish they would stop making changes but the rest of the world doesn't change the rest of the world doesn't change the rest of the world doesn't change doesn't stop like what we used to have doesn't stop like what we used to have doesn't stop like what we used to have when I came into I was an intern. I was when I came into I was an intern. I was when I came into I was an intern. I was I was starting work when I was um 17 in I was starting work when I was um 17 in I was starting work when I was um 17 in the industry and you know what we had the industry and you know what we had the industry and you know what we had back then is nothing like what we have back then is nothing like what we have back then is nothing like what we have 30 years later in in software develop 30 years later in in software develop 30 years later in in software develop everything has changed. We no longer use everything has changed. We no longer use everything has changed. We no longer use floppy discs. We no longer have wide floppy discs. We no longer have wide floppy discs. We no longer have wide open network ports that just let open network ports that just let open network ports that just let anything through because who knows what anything through because who knows what anything through because who knows what security is, right? Like things have security is, right? Like things have security is, right? Like things have changed. Things have grown in the changed. Things have grown in the changed. Things have grown in the industry. So learning those new things industry. So learning those new things industry. So learning those new things keeps you up todate and keeps that keeps you up todate and keeps that keeps you up todate and keeps that career in the right spot. career in the right spot. career in the right spot. And you know what? If you're doing And you know what? If you're doing And you know what? If you're doing career reviews, you know what new things career reviews, you know what new things career reviews, you know what new things to learn because you can't learn to learn because you can't learn to learn because you can't learn everything. But if you say, "I want to everything. But if you say, "I want to everything. But if you say, "I want to be doing more uh server management." be doing more uh server management." be doing more uh server management." Well, guess what? Learn new things Well, guess what? Learn new things Well, guess what? Learn new things around server management. You know, if around server management. You know, if around server management. You know, if you want to be a a senior developer, you you want to be a a senior developer, you you want to be a a senior developer, you should be practicing more things around should be practicing more things around should be practicing more things around leadership, not just software. So leadership, not just software. So leadership, not just software. So learning new things is important. And learning new things is important. And learning new things is important. And then number five, invest in then number five, invest in then number five, invest in relationships. It should be a habit of relationships. It should be a habit of relationships. It should be a habit of yours to invest in relationships.

yours to invest in relationships. yours to invest in relationships. It takes time. It takes effort. It takes It takes time. It takes effort. It takes It takes time. It takes effort. It takes intentionality, but it's really intentionality, but it's really intentionality, but it's really important both personally and important both personally and important both personally and professionally. Number six, personal professionally. Number six, personal professionally. Number six, personal growth. This does not have to be growth. This does not have to be growth. This does not have to be anything to do with work, but the idea anything to do with work, but the idea anything to do with work, but the idea that you are growing as a person. Part that you are growing as a person. Part that you are growing as a person. Part of it can be your career because maybe of it can be your career because maybe of it can be your career because maybe some of what you want in your personal some of what you want in your personal some of what you want in your personal growth is I want to be a better leader. growth is I want to be a better leader. growth is I want to be a better leader. I want to be a better speaker. I want to I want to be a better speaker. I want to I want to be a better speaker. I want to be a a more outgoing person. These are be a a more outgoing person. These are be a a more outgoing person. These are all things you could do in your personal all things you could do in your personal all things you could do in your personal growth. But sometimes it might be, you growth. But sometimes it might be, you growth. But sometimes it might be, you know, I want to be a more well-rounded know, I want to be a more well-rounded know, I want to be a more well-rounded person. I want to be a more person. I want to be a more person. I want to be a more knowledgeable person. I want to, you knowledgeable person. I want to, you knowledgeable person. I want to, you know, know more about World War II and know, know more about World War II and know, know more about World War II and the history thereof. Cool. Whatever the the history thereof. Cool. Whatever the the history thereof. Cool. Whatever the personal growth may be, work in that personal growth may be, work in that personal growth may be, work in that area. area. area. And then number seven, anything that And then number seven, anything that And then number seven, anything that gets you closer to who you want to be, gets you closer to who you want to be, gets you closer to who you want to be, establishing good habits around making establishing good habits around making establishing good habits around making yourself progressing yourself towards yourself progressing yourself towards yourself progressing yourself towards who you want to be. Super valuable who you want to be. Super valuable who you want to be. Super valuable because again, if you're not because again, if you're not because again, if you're not intentional, then what happens is you intentional, then what happens is you intentional, then what happens is you don't realize that life has just passed don't realize that life has just passed don't realize that life has just passed you by. So be intentional about you by. So be intentional about you by. So be intentional about investing in things that help you get investing in things that help you get investing in things that help you get closer to who you want to be every day.

closer to who you want to be every day. closer to who you want to be every day. Put that as one of your habits. Okay, so Put that as one of your habits. Okay, so Put that as one of your habits. Okay, so there's some habit ideas, some there's some habit ideas, some there's some habit ideas, some categories for especially software categories for especially software categories for especially software developers. Uh, but what we don't often developers. Uh, but what we don't often developers. Uh, but what we don't often think about is the majority of what we think about is the majority of what we think about is the majority of what we do every day. We don't think about, you do every day. We don't think about, you do every day. We don't think about, you know, how we get up and, you know, turn know, how we get up and, you know, turn know, how we get up and, you know, turn the coffee pot on and and do the things. the coffee pot on and and do the things. the coffee pot on and and do the things. We use routines to automate most of the We use routines to automate most of the We use routines to automate most of the things we do so that we can spend most things we do so that we can spend most things we do so that we can spend most of our brain power on the things that of our brain power on the things that of our brain power on the things that are important to us. That's just how are important to us. That's just how are important to us. That's just how we're wired. But if we aren't careful, we're wired. But if we aren't careful, we're wired. But if we aren't careful, those automated tasks, they can become those automated tasks, they can become those automated tasks, they can become bad habits that hurt us in the long run. bad habits that hurt us in the long run. bad habits that hurt us in the long run. Whether it's, you know, spending an hour Whether it's, you know, spending an hour Whether it's, you know, spending an hour and a half on TikTok or whether it's and a half on TikTok or whether it's and a half on TikTok or whether it's sitting on the couch and just veging out sitting on the couch and just veging out sitting on the couch and just veging out watching movies, instead take the time watching movies, instead take the time watching movies, instead take the time to establish good habits that can lead to establish good habits that can lead to establish good habits that can lead you to success both as a person and as a you to success both as a person and as a you to success both as a person and as a software developer. Now, if you want software developer. Now, if you want software developer. Now, if you want more help in establishing good habits, I more help in establishing good habits, I more help in establishing good habits, I can recommend the following four books. can recommend the following four books. can recommend the following four books. Now, just be clear, this is not a Now, just be clear, this is not a Now, just be clear, this is not a sponsored video. I'm not even putting sponsored video. I'm not even putting sponsored video. I'm not even putting links to them, okay? You can figure out links to them, okay? You can figure out links to them, okay? You can figure out where to go to get them, but these are where to go to get them, but these are where to go to get them, but these are books that have really helped me. I've books that have really helped me. I've books that have really helped me. I've really appreciated um that are on these really appreciated um that are on these really appreciated um that are on these topics. So, the first two here um you've topics. So, the first two here um you've topics. So, the first two here um you've probably seen these, but um Atomic probably seen these, but um Atomic probably seen these, but um Atomic Habits by James Clear and then Tiny Habits by James Clear and then Tiny Habits by James Clear and then Tiny Habits by BJ Fog. Uh both of these are Habits by BJ Fog. Uh both of these are Habits by BJ Fog. Uh both of these are really good books at working directly on really good books at working directly on really good books at working directly on your habits and making sure that you're your habits and making sure that you're your habits and making sure that you're establishing good habits. again, tiny establishing good habits. again, tiny establishing good habits. again, tiny ones um that build up over time. And ones um that build up over time. And ones um that build up over time. And then the other two that I recommend, I then the other two that I recommend, I then the other two that I recommend, I love this author. Um these are both from

love this author. Um these are both from love this author. Um these are both from John Auff. John Auff is funny. Um he John Auff. John Auff is funny. Um he John Auff. John Auff is funny. Um he writes really well. Um he writes good um writes really well. Um he writes good um writes really well. Um he writes good um but he he writes really well. He he's but he he writes really well. He he's but he he writes really well. He he's down to earth. Um and he's always really down to earth. Um and he's always really down to earth. Um and he's always really on point with um hitting the topic. And on point with um hitting the topic. And on point with um hitting the topic. And so, uh, soundtracks, it's about the the so, uh, soundtracks, it's about the the so, uh, soundtracks, it's about the the thought processes in your mind and how thought processes in your mind and how thought processes in your mind and how to establish better soundtracks for your to establish better soundtracks for your to establish better soundtracks for your head. Um, so that's, you know, that's head. Um, so that's, you know, that's head. Um, so that's, you know, that's his metaphor for it, but basically his metaphor for it, but basically his metaphor for it, but basically making sure we're thinking through making sure we're thinking through making sure we're thinking through things well and um being careful how we things well and um being careful how we things well and um being careful how we establish these these soundtracks in our establish these these soundtracks in our establish these these soundtracks in our head. And then also, this one just came head. And then also, this one just came head. And then also, this one just came out recently, uh, procrastination proof. out recently, uh, procrastination proof. out recently, uh, procrastination proof. This is the thing that, you know, for This is the thing that, you know, for This is the thing that, you know, for me, um, procrastination is a thing, me, um, procrastination is a thing, me, um, procrastination is a thing, right? I I push things off. My wife right? I I push things off. My wife right? I I push things off. My wife rolls her eyes every time because it for rolls her eyes every time because it for rolls her eyes every time because it for her it feels like it works out a lot for her it feels like it works out a lot for her it feels like it works out a lot for me. Um but procrastination proof the me. Um but procrastination proof the me. Um but procrastination proof the idea of making sure that you are are not idea of making sure that you are are not idea of making sure that you are are not getting locked down by procrastination getting locked down by procrastination getting locked down by procrastination but instead empowering yourself to do but instead empowering yourself to do but instead empowering yourself to do more without feeling like you're you're more without feeling like you're you're more without feeling like you're you're pushing hard. So again, really good pushing hard. So again, really good pushing hard. So again, really good content there u if you want to go content there u if you want to go content there u if you want to go deeper, but establishing good habits is deeper, but establishing good habits is deeper, but establishing good habits is really important. And the thing is it really important. And the thing is it really important. And the thing is it doesn't have to take a lot of time, but doesn't have to take a lot of time, but doesn't have to take a lot of time, but if you do it and build up if you do it and build up if you do it and build up [clears throat] over time those small [clears throat] over time those small [clears throat] over time those small steps, what happens is over time it steps, what happens is over time it steps, what happens is over time it takes you so much further than if you takes you so much further than if you takes you so much further than if you were unintentional and allowed your were unintentional and allowed your were unintentional and allowed your habits to do whatever they are. Okay, so habits to do whatever they are. Okay, so habits to do whatever they are. Okay, so thanks for listening and as always I am thanks for listening and as always I am thanks for listening and as always I am Tim Corey.