I like these kind of FunFunFunction Episodes too! I find this psychological Topics very interesting. And I'm also a big Procrastinator so I try to develop some good habits to fight the "Instant Gratification Monkey". Thanks MPJ for your Habit!
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I'm a big procrastinator and this video made me think about why I procrastinate so much. Thanks MPJ
i spent all day playing with friends instead of starting to study for university... now all my friends are sleeping and im still watching this instead of learning ...
Hey MPJ, I've been doing something in the last year or so and I think it might be the best method I've found for acquiring new habits or getting rid of some. I previously was using TO-DO lists quite a bit, but one problem with them is that they are just a collection of activities, but they might not be cued at the right time, and might not be suitable for small changes you need to make at precise moments in your day. There could also be a Habits list, where you write down all the new things you'd like to be doing, but the same thing, you need to be reminded of each of them at a precise moment every time. What I did, I started a Routine list, which would be a list of all my CURRENT habits. I started writing down in my lists app (I use Google Keep on my phone) all of the steps I take since I wake up (it started as a morning routine list, but now it has morphed into a morning, a separate list for the rest of the day, and a night routine). After writing down the steps I take, I am able to modify it, and fit in there any small thing I would like to do at the right time (eg. remember to not grab the coffee mug after waking up if you're trying to drink less coffee?). Then my task is only to follow the list step by step, without the need of thinking all the time what should the next best step of my day be, or trying (and failing) to remember any new habits I'm trying to implement. It even frees my mind to listen to audiobooks or videos while following the routine, since I have to pay less attention to the steps I should take, there's much lower chance of forgetting something, and I only need to follow. You could also think of it as a list of 'cues' for the habits, you just focus on following the list, and it cues you to do things at the right time and then you just do them. There have always been a bunch of things that I've thought "That'd be good if I start doing that" but then months later I realize I've forgotten to do them, then I try setting a reminder or something, but then it can pop up while I'm in the middle of something else, so I just dismiss it. But with this list, you write it down where you think should be the best time to do it, then in the future, you're just following the list, you ask yourself 'ok what's next?' you look at it, and you don't have the excuse of "I'm in the middle of something right now so I can't" so you just do it. I do also have it automated using the app Tasker, so that in the morning it automatically opens up my list when I unlock my phone, and I can focus on just following it since then. It also opens it up often throughout the day, so that I keep being reminded of the next step I should be doing, and helps when I get sidetracked. TL;DR: Make a list of all the steps you currently do as your daily routine, then you can modify it little by little and add in all the new things you'd like to do/avoid at the right moments, and just focus on following it every day.
You know how you get good at having self discipline? You start small. This might sound stupid... but bare with me: Tell yourself, "I am going to pick up that glass of water sitting on the table." And then you do it. Then you say, "I'm going to go to the refrigerator and get a glass of tea.", and then you do it. And you do this. All day. Every day. All the time. Until doing exactly what you say is ingrained into your psyche. Start with simple, mundane tasks and then move on to more complex, complicated things. If you screw up and mess up, start over. Keep doing it. You see, when you tell yourself that you are going to do something, and then you DON'T do the thing you said you were going to do, you are developing a habit. A very bad habit. So break that habit. Reverse it. Replace that bad habit with a new habit. Essentially you are creating a stronger bond between your mind and your body. Self-discipline and confidence come hand and hand with this. The more you practice this, the more confidence in yourself this will bring. Self-discipline isn't a fraud. You have just learned bad habits. Develop a habit of being in control of yourself.
Self-disciplin is not exactly self-control. Overall its a matter of self-regulation. When we self-regulate we actually deplete energy (for a lack of a better word). But remember that the tasks you dont want to do (taxes...) is not a matter of self-regulation. This is instead a matter of lack of valued goals. You do simply not feel it is very important to you. People who are overall good at just getting boring things done are not overall more self regulated. They simply value these things. I like the habit reasoning. Habits is a good way to start to value something.
Oh my. Self discipline is probably my biggest personal issue. I have been setting goals and starting projects for ages, rarely being able to put out any actual results. To be honest, there ain't much I can be proud of. Creating things, that's the most thrilling experience there is to me. There's nothing quite like it, and I don't know that I could stop trying. I'd come to thinking that it is just who I am. I can't help but trying, and I can't help but ultimately fail to produce anything. To the point where I'd stopped looking for solutions, rather simply trying to live with that fact. Then, this video. Everything you just said (some time ago in front of your camera) sounded so...obvious, so feasible. It's like I've simply been looking at the whole thing the wrong way for all this time. Now, I'll simply set myself up to a couple new habits. I'll try one based on time, as with your 8 a.m. sharp. I'm also going to occupy a specific train journey (5 hours over a weekend) which I don't do regularly, but still frequently. If this allows me to put out a few things I'm happy about, and if I can sustain doing it long term, you'll be allowed to say "Hey, I changed somebody's life the other day".
I think having a good reason to do (or not do) something is very important. For example, you, Mattias and your coffee. You probably don't stop because you don't know exactly *why* you have to. It was the same with me when I smoked cigarettes. I wasn't a really hardcore smoker, but I had the *habit* of smoking before I went to the shower. One night, some smoke went in my eye (if you're not a smoker, that's the equivalent of rubbing soap on your eyeballs), which was really unpleasant. I just stood there, looked at the cigarette and thought "this doesn't taste, smell or feel good, it can irritate your eyes and nose to an unbearable degree, it turns your lungs into tar sponges..." and so on. After that, I realized "smoking is fucking stupid, man" and threw the half burned cigarette in the thrash. For the following days, whenever I looked at a cigarette and thought of lighting one up, I remembered that night and my realizations. That stopped me every time. Now, 7-8 months later, I don't even notice cigarettes anymore and I just feel better. *Reasoning is important, people!*
That's a really good point! Taking time to evaluate our habits and reason about them, then holding that logic close to our heart so that the next time the cues pop up, we can use our knowledge defensively to alter our habits.
Holy shit I had such a similar experience at breaking the habit of smoking! But I gotta confess I had to rely on the aid of psychedelics to put my head into this very same perspective of yours. Sometimes (more often than we'd like) we have a very difficult time on being self-conscious about the stuff we do and why we do them, and it takes a different kind of mental effort to realize these simple things and change a habit for damn good. With that in mind, psychedelics may help with this quite fantastically when done in a proper set and setting! I was able to stop smoking cigarettes cold turkey as an example. One and a half year without putting a cigarette in my mouth now :) I'm not saying everyone should try this to break habits just because it worked for me, I just got hyped at how freaking similar this guy's thought processes were to mine at that time and this got me inspired to share my experience. So take my words with a grain of salt and do your own research extensively if you plan on doing any substance, either to help you improve yourself or to just have some funfunfun!
Wow, I'm in a coding bootcamp right now doing full-stack, and I recently lost willpower (because it is a finite resource) and this video has helped me remember how I operate as a productive member of society. Time blocks and repetition, NOT willpower and self-discipline. Thanks a lot for making this video.
Great Video, I am/was exactly the same when it comes to self-control and procrastination. I was always procrastinating everything. Then I started building some good morning routines and sticking to routines and fixed times is good to get started. But, after the initial motivation, it is hard to stick to it and it feels bad to lower the bar. What I found works great is not having a high level from the start. For example, when I want to work out, I don't commit to 1 hour every day, but only plan to do one push-up every day. It is much easier to keep going when you already started the task and much easier to start when it's just one thing or one minute of something.
This is the only channel where i'll have the notifications on, cus it actually became a habit for me to just know that mondays around this time there is a new fun fun function episode that ill watch, the programming content is great and the messages and thoughts around all the episodes feel like a little spark of wisdom to start the week, Greetings from mexico
I have the notifications on as well, but this show is one where I really don't need them, because the habit got so strong that I go and check anyway. Once it was delayed I even went to Twitter to check if there were messages about it ;-)
I'm also a mess in terms of self-discipline and this video that you produced just reminded me of high-school when I had to be at school at 7:20 am no matter what (which was not the case in the university). I also found out habits really work during a bi-weekly meetup for some non-work-related activities. Thanks for this video!
Hi MPJ, thanks for the wonderful video. It is encouraging to hear from yet another talented, knowledgeable person that self-control and getting things done is really really hard. I really like the way you put what works for you "Habitual time boxing". It resonates so well with me and I can find myself nodding when you explained all about it. Personally, I find that committing to working on something for a fixed amount of time (say 15 minutes) really helps in avoiding distractions and provides much needed momentum. I can see how this approach combined with the cue-action-reward mechanism can be so powerful for creating good habits. Thanks again.
In behavior we call this 1. antecedent 2. behavior 3. consequence(or outcome) or ABC... You can alter behavior by changing, adding, removing etc the antecedent. You can reinforce the behavior with the consequence, which can be things like escape, attention, rewards, punishment, etc. Great video and great assessment.
My favorite video of FFF so far. Thanks. Really honnest, really interresting. When I started to do sports I made just one rule for me : pack my stuff and go to the gym, don't think about what you'll be doing there. I works fine. It's been two years and I keep go to the gym regulary. From time to time, when I'm there I'm not running as fast as I should but I never miss the appointment. Thanks for the video, It's really satisfying to see that this "habit trick" is a Thing.
Great video MPJ! I really enjoyed this. The way you described yourself struck a chord with me. I struggle in a similar way. A while ago I decided to try to make the things I wanted to accomplish into habits. I have even gone so far as to build myself a little android app to help me build the habits I want to build. I think you did a fantastic job of simplifying what a habit is and more importantly putting it in such a way that we can take advantage of them. This is one of those videos where it wasn't anything that I expected from a "programming" channel, but am more than glad that you made it. Thanks and keep being awesome!
I didn't even think about setting myself any new year's resolutions, but January has been spent trying to weaken bad habits, and strengthen good ones. So far it's worked out pretty good.
Thanks for this! I'm perpetually trying to make time for exercise and personal development and constantly wondering why I can't do it! I'm a massive procrastinator, I need to start small, be patient, and give myself time to build up habits. Regular exercise, or regular personal project time could actually be a goal in itself, rather than focusing on finishing an app or getting a PR in running, for example. Feels like the habit is the missing link at the moment!
Thanks for the video, MPJ. Only now did I realise how significant my routine of drinking an iced coffee as I'm starting my Uni morning class, is. That might explain why I'm so unproductive over these long holiday periods. Cheers from Australia.
I just finished listening to THe Power of Habit, it's incredible and it's started to change the way I go about my work and life. His other book Smarter Faster Better is equally as insightful 🙂
Ok, I can't be the only one expecting you to say something about habitually getting a cup of coffee after you brush your teeth. I was ready for it and when it didn't come, I was the disappoint. Not disappointed about the video itself. I am going to try to reframe "getting things done" like this by trying to build a desired new habit and reward on to some cue... gonna have to do some brainstorming now.
Great vid! I also enjoyed a lot "The Power of Habit"! ^_^ Regarding goals and systems, I love to use both. Goals give me direction, systems give me the time to pursue my goals. I try to build up my self discipline but as you say, the very best is not needing to use it. I find that creating a path of least resistance to the stuff that I want to do helps with that (f.i. want to do less social media? Uninstall all social media apps from my mobile phone) Awesome job!!!!!
great video. I just changed from full time work to part time 3 days a week. I need to develop some structure of what to do with my extra time. I need some new habits to replace 'get up and go to work'
this is the first episode of you which I saw which isn't directly connected to a "IT topic" - I like that! To me your talent to explain things nice and easy is beyond programming topics... go further!
I feel like watching Fun Fun Function is like a reward for me when I cannot figure something out. My cue would be having a problem that I cannot solve, then I will watch 1 or 2 episode. My reward would be get out of that Zone lol. Thanks!!!
The problem in the cookie example is from our addiction to sugar. It doesn't take much simple sugar to get addicted to it. When your mind is conflicted with two opposing ideas, it causes uneasiness or anxiety and that becomes a distraction. If you don't resolve the conflict, it carries on into other activities. Our memory is written with habits. They create a steady linear set of actions for our body to follow. The more senses and emotions tied to our habit, the stronger it is imprinted in our memory. When you step outside of that you create conflict, because your brain immediately rejects its circumstances. If you have two opposing forces, you know what happens. The same thing happens in your brain and it send a chain of reactions throughout your body. That's why it's tiring.
I suffer from ADHD, always got good grades on psychometric tests (top 4% of the population), but I could never endure long term studies. Tried college 5 timers. Thank you for this video, I'm going to try this out.
I guess it is easy to say that you have never gone to college then. Because you couldn't be more wrong. Yes, you can learn how to code and get a job easily without college/university. But university is a lot more about deeper knowladge in computer science than just writing code such as database design, design patterns, architecture etc and these things won't become obsolete very quickly. So university is totally worth it if you want to get a deeper understanding from the start rather then just knowing the basics. With that said, it also depends on other factors, for example, there are university programs in computer science who are pure s*it, so it is important to first do research and make sure to pick a good one. Second I come from Sweden where attending universities are free, but if one is coming from a country such as the US where you have to take huge loans just to be able to attend a university then it is probably not worth it. But as from my experience, taking the last year at a great University to get my bachelor degree in computer science at the moment I can say it has been totally worth it, even if I have struggled like hell to both be able to take my degree, work as a front end developer freelancer and stay up to date with the latest js techniques at the same time. :) But all of these depends on what you want to become too, maybe your goal does not require you to get deep knowledge in CS in a short amount of time. Then uni. would no be right for you, but to say it is obsolete is completely inaccurate :)
There's a book on will power that said the more you tell others and yourself that you are going to finish something actually reduce the chance you actually complete it.
Makes a lot of sense looking back on what my goals are (start an ambitious software project) vs what I actually do day to day (play piano a bit, play video games etc.). Playing piano has become a habit for me, I guess I need to start coding a bit every day after work. Coding after you've been coding all day is a bit hard to get into though p_p
totally agree. I think that this is the base component of agile methodologies, it works because it envolves the whole team into a process therefore it creates the habit. I am very frustrated that in most of the teams I worked on members try to avoid the routines of agile methodologies.
The world applauds you, sir. Thanks for the making this video. Also, I am a struggling developer, in the sense that I do not feel confident while coding for anything. For e.g., if it was not for your facebook bot video, I wouldn't have started doing projects on my own. I feel very intimidated by all the information there is on the internet about coding. Would it be possible for you to make a video about how to just get better at programming.
I find that for some things it's easier to set boolean goals like me.coffeDrinker = false. That way you don't have to control your habit of drinking coffee but simply eliminate it. And to compensate you can switch to tea if you need to or just drink water. I've eliminated several habits that way including alcohol. On the other hand when it comes to being productive the only method that works for me is the one you described. And for daily things I absolutely need to write my To-Do list as my cue and have the items checked as a reward otherwise I procrastinate.
A book I really enjoyed on the subject is "Superhuman by Habit" by Tynan. It really helped me understand how habits work, how to form positive habits, and how to lose negative habits. I'd highly recommend it for someone who wants to read more on the subject. I'm also going to give "The Power of Habit" a read.
Hey man, I Just wanted to say thanks for the videos. I appreciate the honesty of them and I genuinely find a lot of what you produce very useful, for programming as well as things like this. Stay curious 😁
The problem with this however, is the fact building habits and breaking bad ones (aka. addictions) requires utmost self-control and will power for at least a few months so it is not at all clear how you use "habitual time boxing".
Thanks very much for response. I do well in academic settings but I hate school with a passion. I'm having some difficulty finding a full-time job without a degree though, and when I do find something I have very little footing in asking for a raise. I have only completed about half my Computer Science degree... Perhaps it's because I only worked at big companies that care a lot about education.
excellent episode, very insightful. Thought you were going to say "make sure you reward yourself when your cue leads to your routine, e.g..." also the lapel mic didn't work so well: your voice went quite every time you turned your head away from it to look at the card.
Making a list of positive things about a task or a goal can help you feel better about acting on it. List 5 to 10 things. You can do this on a piece of paper or in your own mind.
I'm pretty sure everyone has their own protection mechanism something :) Only when I look at others, how better they are than I, make myself study harder, in my case. So I look at you MPJ :D
This is a great video! I'm having the same issue you had before. Lately, I've started many different open source projects but I've almost never finished them, I'll try to follow your advice =)
Hey MPJ, love your videos. I have an off topic question for you about the future! I personally like JS and am very comfortable with it, but I hear a lot of people hate on it. Recently I got into a civil discussion over the internet about web technology - The other party said that JavaScript would not be relevant for much longer because WebAssembly would soon bring more mature languages to the client side (also killing node.js in the process). Now, I sit here and wonder - If this is true, is JavaScript a sound investment of my time? How long until WebAssembly drives us to change our stack and how do we prepare for the shift?
JavaScript has a lot of momentum behind it, so it’s not going anywhere. It will likely continue being the dominant language on the web, for many years to come.
Yeah. Don't be too worried. JS will also be the first language made to compile to WebAssembly too. And JS isn't too bad of a language either. As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to a tool and the job it is being used for, but as long as the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages, you will win and be productive with that tool. JS is for the majority of web application needs, very much a winning tool.
MPJ - I really appreciate all of your videos that feature these self-improvement topics. Your insights have been quite valuable to me. Thanks!
to me too!
I like these kind of FunFunFunction Episodes too! I find this psychological Topics very interesting. And I'm also a big Procrastinator so I try to develop some good habits to fight the "Instant Gratification Monkey". Thanks MPJ for your Habit!
I'm a big procrastinator and this video made me think about why I procrastinate so much. Thanks MPJ
Same... but it also made med procrastinate :/
I'm kinda procrastinating right now...
i spent all day playing with friends instead of starting to study for university...
now all my friends are sleeping and im still watching this instead of learning ...
Hey MPJ, I've been doing something in the last year or so and I think it might be the best method I've found for acquiring new habits or getting rid of some. I previously was using TO-DO lists quite a bit, but one problem with them is that they are just a collection of activities, but they might not be cued at the right time, and might not be suitable for small changes you need to make at precise moments in your day. There could also be a Habits list, where you write down all the new things you'd like to be doing, but the same thing, you need to be reminded of each of them at a precise moment every time. What I did, I started a Routine list, which would be a list of all my CURRENT habits. I started writing down in my lists app (I use Google Keep on my phone) all of the steps I take since I wake up (it started as a morning routine list, but now it has morphed into a morning, a separate list for the rest of the day, and a night routine). After writing down the steps I take, I am able to modify it, and fit in there any small thing I would like to do at the right time (eg. remember to not grab the coffee mug after waking up if you're trying to drink less coffee?). Then my task is only to follow the list step by step, without the need of thinking all the time what should the next best step of my day be, or trying (and failing) to remember any new habits I'm trying to implement. It even frees my mind to listen to audiobooks or videos while following the routine, since I have to pay less attention to the steps I should take, there's much lower chance of forgetting something, and I only need to follow.
You could also think of it as a list of 'cues' for the habits, you just focus on following the list, and it cues you to do things at the right time and then you just do them.
There have always been a bunch of things that I've thought "That'd be good if I start doing that" but then months later I realize I've forgotten to do them, then I try setting a reminder or something, but then it can pop up while I'm in the middle of something else, so I just dismiss it. But with this list, you write it down where you think should be the best time to do it, then in the future, you're just following the list, you ask yourself 'ok what's next?' you look at it, and you don't have the excuse of "I'm in the middle of something right now so I can't" so you just do it.
I do also have it automated using the app Tasker, so that in the morning it automatically opens up my list when I unlock my phone, and I can focus on just following it since then. It also opens it up often throughout the day, so that I keep being reminded of the next step I should be doing, and helps when I get sidetracked.
TL;DR: Make a list of all the steps you currently do as your daily routine, then you can modify it little by little and add in all the new things you'd like to do/avoid at the right moments, and just focus on following it every day.
You know how you get good at having self discipline? You start small. This might sound stupid... but bare with me:
Tell yourself, "I am going to pick up that glass of water sitting on the table." And then you do it. Then you say, "I'm going to go to the refrigerator and get a glass of tea.", and then you do it. And you do this. All day. Every day. All the time. Until doing exactly what you say is ingrained into your psyche. Start with simple, mundane tasks and then move on to more complex, complicated things. If you screw up and mess up, start over. Keep doing it.
You see, when you tell yourself that you are going to do something, and then you DON'T do the thing you said you were going to do, you are developing a habit. A very bad habit. So break that habit. Reverse it. Replace that bad habit with a new habit. Essentially you are creating a stronger bond between your mind and your body. Self-discipline and confidence come hand and hand with this. The more you practice this, the more confidence in yourself this will bring.
Self-discipline isn't a fraud. You have just learned bad habits. Develop a habit of being in control of yourself.
Sounds quite amazing man! Where did you learn this? You tried this yourself? It works?
my habit is watching your show. another great one mpj.
Self-disciplin is not exactly self-control. Overall its a matter of self-regulation. When we self-regulate we actually deplete energy (for a lack of a better word). But remember that the tasks you dont want to do (taxes...) is not a matter of self-regulation. This is instead a matter of lack of valued goals. You do simply not feel it is very important to you. People who are overall good at just getting boring things done are not overall more self regulated. They simply value these things. I like the habit reasoning. Habits is a good way to start to value something.
Not sure how, but i'm subscribed to both channels and just noticed this comment. Universe is strange sometimes.
"we discovered: as we became more professional... we were doing less things, not more" haha nice! That's the key my little boy!
Oh my. Self discipline is probably my biggest personal issue.
I have been setting goals and starting projects for ages, rarely being able to put out any actual results. To be honest, there ain't much I can be proud of. Creating things, that's the most thrilling experience there is to me. There's nothing quite like it, and I don't know that I could stop trying.
I'd come to thinking that it is just who I am. I can't help but trying, and I can't help but ultimately fail to produce anything. To the point where I'd stopped looking for solutions, rather simply trying to live with that fact.
Then, this video. Everything you just said (some time ago in front of your camera) sounded so...obvious, so feasible. It's like I've simply been looking at the whole thing the wrong way for all this time.
Now, I'll simply set myself up to a couple new habits. I'll try one based on time, as with your 8 a.m. sharp. I'm also going to occupy a specific train journey (5 hours over a weekend) which I don't do regularly, but still frequently.
If this allows me to put out a few things I'm happy about, and if I can sustain doing it long term, you'll be allowed to say "Hey, I changed somebody's life the other day".
I think having a good reason to do (or not do) something is very important. For example, you, Mattias and your coffee. You probably don't stop because you don't know exactly *why* you have to. It was the same with me when I smoked cigarettes. I wasn't a really hardcore smoker, but I had the *habit* of smoking before I went to the shower. One night, some smoke went in my eye (if you're not a smoker, that's the equivalent of rubbing soap on your eyeballs), which was really unpleasant. I just stood there, looked at the cigarette and thought "this doesn't taste, smell or feel good, it can irritate your eyes and nose to an unbearable degree, it turns your lungs into tar sponges..." and so on. After that, I realized "smoking is fucking stupid, man" and threw the half burned cigarette in the thrash. For the following days, whenever I looked at a cigarette and thought of lighting one up, I remembered that night and my realizations. That stopped me every time. Now, 7-8 months later, I don't even notice cigarettes anymore and I just feel better.
*Reasoning is important, people!*
That's a really good point! Taking time to evaluate our habits and reason about them, then holding that logic close to our heart so that the next time the cues pop up, we can use our knowledge defensively to alter our habits.
Holy shit I had such a similar experience at breaking the habit of smoking! But I gotta confess I had to rely on the aid of psychedelics to put my head into this very same perspective of yours. Sometimes (more often than we'd like) we have a very difficult time on being self-conscious about the stuff we do and why we do them, and it takes a different kind of mental effort to realize these simple things and change a habit for damn good. With that in mind, psychedelics may help with this quite fantastically when done in a proper set and setting! I was able to stop smoking cigarettes cold turkey as an example. One and a half year without putting a cigarette in my mouth now :)
I'm not saying everyone should try this to break habits just because it worked for me, I just got hyped at how freaking similar this guy's thought processes were to mine at that time and this got me inspired to share my experience. So take my words with a grain of salt and do your own research extensively if you plan on doing any substance, either to help you improve yourself or to just have some funfunfun!
I appreciate these general topics too. Not only really useful information but provides nice breaks from the endless coding.
Wow, I'm in a coding bootcamp right now doing full-stack, and I recently lost willpower (because it is a finite resource) and this video has helped me remember how I operate as a productive member of society. Time blocks and repetition, NOT willpower and self-discipline. Thanks a lot for making this video.
Great Video, I am/was exactly the same when it comes to self-control and procrastination. I was always procrastinating everything. Then I started building some good morning routines and sticking to routines and fixed times is good to get started.
But, after the initial motivation, it is hard to stick to it and it feels bad to lower the bar. What I found works great is not having a high level from the start. For example, when I want to work out, I don't commit to 1 hour every day, but only plan to do one push-up every day.
It is much easier to keep going when you already started the task and much easier to start when it's just one thing or one minute of something.
This is the only channel where i'll have the notifications on, cus it actually became a habit for me to just know that mondays around this time there is a new fun fun function episode that ill watch, the programming content is great and the messages and thoughts around all the episodes feel like a little spark of wisdom to start the week, Greetings from mexico
I have the notifications on as well, but this show is one where I really don't need them, because the habit got so strong that I go and check anyway. Once it was delayed I even went to Twitter to check if there were messages about it ;-)
Me too! And I usually find my way to actually watching it some time on Monday.
My Monday morning habit is checking my subscriber queue for MPJ. So meta :)
I happened to watch this video by chance. Glad I did. Some pretty incredible insights you shared here MPJ. Thanks!
"I tend to get a cup of coffee when I'm bored."
Yep, I feel you!
I'm also a mess in terms of self-discipline and this video that you produced just reminded me of high-school when I had to be at school at 7:20 am no matter what (which was not the case in the university). I also found out habits really work during a bi-weekly meetup for some non-work-related activities.
Thanks for this video!
Awesome. Not like other Motivational videos that actually sucks. This one shines as one of the bests!!
Thank you, MPJ. Just have Charles Duhigg book lying on my table for a month. =D
Hi MPJ, thanks for the wonderful video. It is encouraging to hear from yet another talented, knowledgeable person that self-control and getting things done is really really hard. I really like the way you put what works for you "Habitual time boxing". It resonates so well with me and I can find myself nodding when you explained all about it.
Personally, I find that committing to working on something for a fixed amount of time (say 15 minutes) really helps in avoiding distractions and provides much needed momentum. I can see how this approach combined with the cue-action-reward mechanism can be so powerful for creating good habits. Thanks again.
In behavior we call this
1. antecedent
2. behavior
3. consequence(or outcome)
or ABC...
You can alter behavior by changing, adding, removing etc the antecedent. You can reinforce the behavior with the consequence, which can be things like escape, attention, rewards, punishment, etc.
Great video and great assessment.
Fantastic. This is an area where I really need to improve and your suggestions will really help. Thank you.
I am happy with your Sunday habit, I got reward every Monday morning with no expense haha
My favorite video of FFF so far. Thanks. Really honnest, really interresting. When I started to do sports I made just one rule for me : pack my stuff and go to the gym, don't think about what you'll be doing there. I works fine. It's been two years and I keep go to the gym regulary. From time to time, when I'm there I'm not running as fast as I should but I never miss the appointment. Thanks for the video, It's really satisfying to see that this "habit trick" is a Thing.
Great video MPJ! I really enjoyed this. The way you described yourself struck a chord with me. I struggle in a similar way. A while ago I decided to try to make the things I wanted to accomplish into habits. I have even gone so far as to build myself a little android app to help me build the habits I want to build. I think you did a fantastic job of simplifying what a habit is and more importantly putting it in such a way that we can take advantage of them.
This is one of those videos where it wasn't anything that I expected from a "programming" channel, but am more than glad that you made it. Thanks and keep being awesome!
I didn't even think about setting myself any new year's resolutions, but January has been spent trying to weaken bad habits, and strengthen good ones. So far it's worked out pretty good.
Keep this up MPJ. Humor and insights in one video makes for great content :)
Thanks for this! I'm perpetually trying to make time for exercise and personal development and constantly wondering why I can't do it! I'm a massive procrastinator, I need to start small, be patient, and give myself time to build up habits. Regular exercise, or regular personal project time could actually be a goal in itself, rather than focusing on finishing an app or getting a PR in running, for example. Feels like the habit is the missing link at the moment!
Great video! Here's to starting some strong timeboxes of my own. They're going right on the calendar so there is no excuse.
Don't forget the routines and the rewards either. Especially the rewards. ;-)
It's 4:23 am and you just reminded me I want some coffee. Thanks jerk.
I have learned a lot about habits and experimented many myself. But hey, this still gives me good input. THANKS!
Thanks for the video, MPJ. Only now did I realise how significant my routine of drinking an iced coffee as I'm starting my Uni morning class, is.
That might explain why I'm so unproductive over these long holiday periods.
Cheers from Australia.
Awesome video and nice insights, I really appreciate this habit of yours to make this videos happen. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Great video MPJ. Really good points. You're an inspiration!
Great Video! You are so great at explaining things.
I think I needed this. Thank you !!!
I just finished listening to THe Power of Habit, it's incredible and it's started to change the way I go about my work and life. His other book Smarter Faster Better is equally as insightful 🙂
Ok, I can't be the only one expecting you to say something about habitually getting a cup of coffee after you brush your teeth. I was ready for it and when it didn't come, I was the disappoint.
Not disappointed about the video itself. I am going to try to reframe "getting things done" like this by trying to build a desired new habit and reward on to some cue... gonna have to do some brainstorming now.
Great vid! I also enjoyed a lot "The Power of Habit"! ^_^
Regarding goals and systems, I love to use both. Goals give me direction, systems give me the time to pursue my goals. I try to build up my self discipline but as you say, the very best is not needing to use it. I find that creating a path of least resistance to the stuff that I want to do helps with that (f.i. want to do less social media? Uninstall all social media apps from my mobile phone)
Awesome job!!!!!
TIL "habitual time boxing." I'm gonna remember that term. Thanks.
Thanks again for another great topic!
great video. I just changed from full time work to part time 3 days a week. I need to develop some structure of what to do with my extra time. I need some new habits to replace 'get up and go to work'
Understanding how dopamine and dopaminergic neural networks function are key in regards to habits, motivation, reward etc.
"Skynet... I mean Google" lol
Thanks MPJ. Really insightful video and I think I will try forming my own good habits :)
Read that book. Yep, it's awesome. Cue -> Routine -> Reward is very real. The habit can be good or bad. Habits CAN be changed.
Loved the video! Keep up the great work MPJ!
MPJ, I love this episode, your stories are insightful and interesting. Thanks for this production. :-)
I like this hangover videos!
this is the first episode of you which I saw which isn't directly connected to a "IT topic" - I like that! To me your talent to explain things nice and easy is beyond programming topics... go further!
Ok wow. That was a TED worthy talk. Well done.
thanks mpj! love your work.
I feel like watching Fun Fun Function is like a reward for me when I cannot figure something out. My cue would be having a problem that I cannot solve, then I will watch 1 or 2 episode. My reward would be get out of that Zone lol. Thanks!!!
This is so much my problem these days, thanks for the motivational speech!
Awesome stuff man, love yaa!
Really interesting way of getting into a routine of doing something. Cool vid man!
Time boxing also works because of Parkinson's Law. Also, 8am Sharp = Hackathons? I might just finally go to one! Thanks for the awesome videos!
thank you mpj. nice marble noise, best habit video ever
Really nice topic and book. Keep the good work hahaha
Great episode!! Love the Skynet joke (shhh... they're watching...)
The problem in the cookie example is from our addiction to sugar. It doesn't take much simple sugar to get addicted to it. When your mind is conflicted with two opposing ideas, it causes uneasiness or anxiety and that becomes a distraction. If you don't resolve the conflict, it carries on into other activities.
Our memory is written with habits. They create a steady linear set of actions for our body to follow. The more senses and emotions tied to our habit, the stronger it is imprinted in our memory. When you step outside of that you create conflict, because your brain immediately rejects its circumstances. If you have two opposing forces, you know what happens. The same thing happens in your brain and it send a chain of reactions throughout your body. That's why it's tiring.
We all miss Fun Fun Function vids!
Hey! Gosh thanks for this videos, really liked how you explained the habit thing, this is helping me to push me out of boredom!
Love this video, awesome topic. If you ever make a second channel totally call it "The Hung-Over Coder"
I suffer from ADHD, always got good grades on psychometric tests (top 4% of the population), but I could never endure long term studies. Tried college 5 timers. Thank you for this video, I'm going to try this out.
I guess it is easy to say that you have never gone to college then. Because you couldn't be more wrong. Yes, you can learn how to code and get a job easily without college/university. But university is a lot more about deeper knowladge in computer science than just writing code such as database design, design patterns, architecture etc and these things won't become obsolete very quickly. So university is totally worth it if you want to get a deeper understanding from the start rather then just knowing the basics.
With that said, it also depends on other factors, for example, there are university programs in computer science who are pure s*it, so it is important to first do research and make sure to pick a good one. Second I come from Sweden where attending universities are free, but if one is coming from a country such as the US where you have to take huge loans just to be able to attend a university then it is probably not worth it.
But as from my experience, taking the last year at a great University to get my bachelor degree in computer science at the moment I can say it has been totally worth it, even if I have struggled like hell to both be able to take my degree, work as a front end developer freelancer and stay up to date with the latest js techniques at the same time. :) But all of these depends on what you want to become too, maybe your goal does not require you to get deep knowledge in CS in a short amount of time. Then uni. would no be right for you, but to say it is obsolete is completely inaccurate :)
i would love to check out those movies you were talking about ! awesome video bro ;)
Thanks for this, I needed some introspection this week
Great video, habits are really strong tool.
I actually really enjoy your musings episodes! Thanks for the great tips!
There's a book on will power that said the more you tell others and yourself that you are going to finish something actually reduce the chance you actually complete it.
Makes a lot of sense looking back on what my goals are (start an ambitious software project) vs what I actually do day to day (play piano a bit, play video games etc.). Playing piano has become a habit for me, I guess I need to start coding a bit every day after work. Coding after you've been coding all day is a bit hard to get into though p_p
totally agree. I think that this is the base component of agile methodologies, it works because it envolves the whole team into a process therefore it creates the habit. I am very frustrated that in most of the teams I worked on members try to avoid the routines of agile methodologies.
MPJ, great video as always thank you. Can you give us a link to some of your old movies please!?
monday -> watch funfunfunction -> learn and have some fun
Love it dude. Reminds me of your no meta-learning concept.
Loved memento, loved this reflection vid. Keep that habit for us and thanks!
Another great episode!
amazing episode! more books and links to support your theories and assertions :)
Thanks, this is sooooo helpful :-)
The world applauds you, sir. Thanks for the making this video.
Also, I am a struggling developer, in the sense that I do not feel confident while coding for anything. For e.g., if it was not for your facebook bot video, I wouldn't have started doing projects on my own. I feel very intimidated by all the information there is on the internet about coding. Would it be possible for you to make a video about how to just get better at programming.
Perfect timing...I've been struggling with this lately :)
Great vid like always mate!
Odd, I was unsubscribed.That's weird. I know I was subscribed and I get fff notifications all the time.
you're the best MPJ! very nice video :)
I find that for some things it's easier to set boolean goals like me.coffeDrinker = false. That way you don't have to control your habit of drinking coffee but simply eliminate it. And to compensate you can switch to tea if you need to or just drink water. I've eliminated several habits that way including alcohol. On the other hand when it comes to being productive the only method that works for me is the one you described. And for daily things I absolutely need to write my To-Do list as my cue and have the items checked as a reward otherwise I procrastinate.
A book I really enjoyed on the subject is "Superhuman by Habit" by Tynan. It really helped me understand how habits work, how to form positive habits, and how to lose negative habits. I'd highly recommend it for someone who wants to read more on the subject. I'm also going to give "The Power of Habit" a read.
This makes a lot of sense to me. I can see it in my day to day tasks.
This was a really interesting episode.
Hey man, I Just wanted to say thanks for the videos. I appreciate the honesty of them and I genuinely find a lot of what you produce very useful, for programming as well as things like this. Stay curious 😁
I can so much relate to this topic. Even the "6th cup of coffee" thing, haha :-)
Very good video, thanks!
The problem with this however, is the fact building habits and breaking bad ones (aka. addictions) requires utmost self-control and will power for at least a few months so it is not at all clear how you use "habitual time boxing".
Awesome episode!
First thing I thought when I saw MPJs face was, "Man he looks hungover!" hahaha. Anyways, way to fight through the pain and put out content :)
Uhhh...seem to be missing the link to the aforementioned `8 am sharp` video productions on youtube...
+Bill Scanlon intentional ;)
Hi MPJ,
Do you have a degree in Computer Science or Theater or something else or not at all?
I don't have any interesting higher education, really. I don't do well in academic settings.
Thanks very much for response. I do well in academic settings but I hate school with a passion. I'm having some difficulty finding a full-time job without a degree though, and when I do find something I have very little footing in asking for a raise. I have only completed about half my Computer Science degree... Perhaps it's because I only worked at big companies that care a lot about education.
Also, I have applied at Spotify ! Wonder if they will take me :) I am not in Sweden though.
Great topic brotha
excellent episode, very insightful. Thought you were going to say "make sure you reward yourself when your cue leads to your routine, e.g..."
also the lapel mic didn't work so well: your voice went quite every time you turned your head away from it to look at the card.
Making a list of positive things about a task or a goal can help you feel better about acting on it. List 5 to 10 things.
You can do this on a piece of paper or in your own mind.
I'm pretty sure everyone has their own protection mechanism something :) Only when I look at others, how better they are than I, make myself study harder, in my case. So I look at you MPJ :D
This is a great video! I'm having the same issue you had before. Lately, I've started many different open source projects but I've almost never finished them, I'll try to follow your advice =)
Hey MPJ, love your videos. I have an off topic question for you about the future!
I personally like JS and am very comfortable with it, but I hear a lot of people hate on it.
Recently I got into a civil discussion over the internet about web technology - The other party said that JavaScript would not be relevant for much longer because WebAssembly would soon bring more mature languages to the client side (also killing node.js in the process).
Now, I sit here and wonder - If this is true, is JavaScript a sound investment of my time? How long until WebAssembly drives us to change our stack and how do we prepare for the shift?
JavaScript has a lot of momentum behind it, so it’s not going anywhere. It will likely continue being the dominant language on the web, for many years to come.
Yeah. Don't be too worried. JS will also be the first language made to compile to WebAssembly too. And JS isn't too bad of a language either. As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to a tool and the job it is being used for, but as long as the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages, you will win and be productive with that tool. JS is for the majority of web application needs, very much a winning tool.