From the Director of Pedagogy and Innovation

The Power of Tiny Gains, Part 2

Last week I wrote about tiny gains and powerful habits and how when we move quickly through life, we do not take the time to reflect on how we can improve because we are constantly rushing. The use of small habits and the power of routine can be immensely beneficial in many parts of life as it frees up the decision making energy that can burden and wear us down. 

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple was well-known for wearing a mock turtle-neck, classic blue jeans and New Balance sneakers. Part of this, according to Jobs was because he was comfortable in it, but more significantly, it was one less thing he needed to decide on in his day. 

Success, whether as a student or worker often hinges on consistent effort and disciplined application, and incorporating small habits into one's routine can create a foundation for achievement. For students, these habits when combined with a structured routine, can lead to increased productivity, improved focus, and enhanced learning outcomes.

Small habits are seemingly insignificant actions that, when practiced consistently, yield remarkable results over time. They can be as simple as making a flash card for each subject taken that day to capture main ideas. At the end of the week there is then 25 flash cards that are short, sharp bites that can be referred to easily. By integrating these habits into our daily lives, we develop a sense of discipline and create a positive feedback loop that reinforces our commitment to growth. The feedback loop then becomes a tool in itself to fight off temptation and reduce friction between what you know you should do, and an easier, appealing option. 

One of the key advantages of small habits is their ability to break down daunting tasks into manageable increments. Adults, teens and children alike can all feel overwhelmed when there is a significant task ahead of them. For instance, instead of tackling an enormous landscaping project in the backyard, break down the project into tasks that can be done in 2, 10, or 30 minute blocks. These regular bursts of focused effort build momentum and prevent procrastination, leading to a more effective use of time and greater output. Tiny habits make daunting situations feel winnable and powerful routines cultivate the circumstances for habits to grow and expand across all parts of life. 

Mr Chris Sanders

Director of Pedagogy and Innovation