Motivation is an emotion; commitment is a decision. We learned that "motivation gets you started, but habits keep you going." Students worked on building simple systems (routines) to help them keep commitments even when they don't "feel like it."
Teens live by feelings. Helping them separate their actions from their fleeting emotions is a major step toward adulthood. Successful people do what needs to be done regardless of their mood.
Habit Stack: Students created a "system" for a goal (e.g., laying out clothes the night before to be on time). They are tracking it this week.
Parent Tip: Support their new system. If they are trying to study at a certain time, help keep the house quiet then.
What habits sustain my spiritual life or work? Do I model discipline or dependence on "feeling like it"?
- What's something you do everyday without thinking (brushing teeth)? How can other things become that automatic?
- What do you do when you absolutely don't want to do your homework?
- How do habits help us?
Routine Reboot: Discuss the most chaotic time of your day (mornings? dinner?). Brainstorm a simple system to fix it (e.g., "Launch Pad" by the door for backpacks/keys). Try it for a week.
Notice routine. "I noticed you've been consistent with your practice schedule this week. That discipline is paying off."