Atomic Coding Habits: Build a Software Engineering Career
A program to help you build the habit of learning programming by applying the principles of 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear.
Program Modules
Understanding Habit Loops and Applying Them to Coding
Learn about the habit loop (Cue, Craving, Response, Reward) and how to use it to build positive coding habits.
Identify Your Coding Cues (30 minutes)
DailyRecognize and leverage cues that trigger your desire to code (e.g., laptop placement, time of day).
“When you want to learn programming, what is that one thing that you need with you without which you can not even start your lesson? No, I am not talking about a cup of coffee here. I am talking about your laptop.”
Harnessing Dopamine for Motivation (30 minutes)
DailyUnderstand how dopamine affects motivation and use temptation bundling to make coding rewarding.
“Dopamine is released every time you swipe up on an Instagram reel. And the same Dopamine is also released when people do drugs.”
The 2-Minute Rule and Gradual Progress (15 minutes)
DailyStart with small, manageable steps (2 minutes of coding) to build momentum and avoid overwhelm.
“James Clear recommends making habit building easy by taking small steps every day. He recommends starting with only 2 minutes a day.”
What You'll Accomplish
- Understand the principles of habit formation from 'Atomic Habits'.
- Apply the habit loop (Cue, Craving, Response, Reward) to coding.
- Use implementation intentions and habit stacking to build coding habits.
- Leverage dopamine to make coding more rewarding through temptation bundling.
- Break down coding into small, manageable tasks using the 2-minute rule.
- Develop strategies to overcome the 'valley of disappointment' when learning to code.
- Recognize and manage feelings of frustration or discouragement during the learning process.
- Identify opportunities for social interaction and support in building coding habits.
Full program access + updates