We are all creatures of habit. According to a Duke study, about 40% of our actions aren’t based on thoughtful decisions but instead are the result of habits. Habits allow us to make faster, and generally safer decisions. Yet, some habits are better than others, and most deserve rethinking from time to time.
As we enter the critical final exam period, it may be helpful to spend some time with your colleagues reflecting on how we/you are currently supporting students and faculty, and then consider how to improve next semester’s support. What habits have we fallen into over the year (or years)? Are they habits that benefit our mission, or can we better help the NYU community by reevaluating a habit and considering a new way of behaving or doing something? A break from the normal routine often gives us the opportunity to reflect. Picking one or two habits that you’d like to change, coming up with a plan to change that habit and then sticking with the plan is important. But the key first step is deciding what you want to change.
When you have some idle time, assess the unique needs of students, faculty, and staff. Then consider:
- How are you meeting their needs? Is your support helping? How?
- What does each group need more of? What do they need less of?
- Is your support reactive, proactive, or a combination?
- What gaps in support need to be addressed first?
- What opportunities for improvement can we support in the future?
- How can you use metrics to assess current support and future improvements?
Of course the same techniques that help you change work habits can help you change personal habits too.
If you want to learn more about the brain science behind habits, I suggest reading The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, or check out a pretty comprehensive summary of the book.
Food for thought during this end of semester/holiday period. A chance to reflect and make a plan to change.