A story is shared about how a paramedic can notice subtle signs of a problem. They may not even know exactly what they are noticing, but the tiny cues can let them know that something is likely very wrong – Or not. This also is found in other fields and professions – Even a mum of a child will often know instinctively when something is wrong with her child, even when she can’t explain quite what is wrong.
With practice, you sort through those cues to find the relevant information without even realising. We may even practice these habits in places where it’s not ideal – Like telling another persons child to stop running when you just would automatically tell your child to do that.
This is why we need to begin the process of trying to change our behaviour by becoming AWARE.
“The psychologist Carl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.””
THE HABITS SCORECARD
The Japanese railway system is highly regarded and they have a system called “Pointing-and-Calling”. This is where they point out certain details and call them out. It might look silly, but it reduces mistakes and errors by a large percentage.
What it does though, it raise awareness of certain things that are important. It involves the use of the senses and movements (i.e. hand, mouth, ears) and identifies problems before they happen. Some of us do this before walking out the door with a young child, either in your head or with a physical list – Keys, money, bottle, food, water, blanket, nappies, wipes, spare clothes, muslin, etc. We reduce problems whilst out by calling out the things we need to reduce the likely problems.
“We’re so used to doing what we’ve always done that we don’t stop to question whether it’s the right thing to do at all.”
We need a point and call system for our OWN lives too, and possibly that of our families. I (Hannah) use a system similar to this for my children. On the fridge is a laminated list of all the things my children need to do before school – From tidying their room to getting dressed. When they complete them, they put a little magnet on it to remind themselves of what they have to do… And what they’ve already done.
For us, this could be as simple as a reminder list of the things you need to do when we wake up – Brush teeth, shower, get dressed, take medications, deodorant.
The habit scorecard is when you make this list, then put a sign beside it depending on the value of this habit. + for a positive one, – for a negative one and = for a neutral one. Be honest as you write the list – As an example, is getting your phone out first thing and browsing Facebook positive for you or not or do you use your phone only to check the calendar and to-do list in those early minutes of the day? You need to do this looking at the long run. Starting your day with chocolate might reduce the stressful feeling of knowing you have a long, busy day ahead, but it won’t help in the long run.
“The first step to changing bad habits is to be on the lookout for them”. Try pointing and calling physically in your own life as you work to be aware of the habits you have. For instance, when you decide to pick up your phone to play a game say “I’m about to play a game, I’m doing it because I am avoiding folding the washing”. I don’t need to play it and I will see that pile of washing later on”. You dont’ have to stop the habit at the time, but let it sink in. It’s also a valuable strategy to remember to do something on your to-do list.
This is all about awareness for the habit scorecard and pointing and calling. Becoming aware of what you are doing and why.
We are exploring Atomic Habits by James Clear one chapter at a time – Whilst this is a fantastic quite break down and reflection on it, I challenge you to pick up a copy and have a read too. This book is genuinely life-changing. See more posts about this book and Habits.