- What is the role of dopamine in making a habit attractive? How could you use this idea when working with clients to help them improve their leisure habits?
In recent studies, it has been proven that dopamine has a huge part in contributing to making a habit attractive. While I was reading the book, a story was told about a mouse and how the mouse poked its nose through the hole. When the mouse poked its head in the hole, the researchers flooded the reward system with dopamine which causes the mouse to do this action even faster. (Clear, 2018., p.104). In past experiences, I have learned that the idea of the reward is sometimes better than the actual reward itself. I have always been the person to look forward to things and always have high expectations but it can sometimes lead to me being unsatisfied in the end when the results are not what I imagined they would be. After some consideration, I have realized that I can apply this idea when it comes to working with my future clients. One of the ideas that came to mind was the idea called temptation building that Clear discussed in the book. For example, if a client needs to work on their endurance and overall physical health but would rather listen to music, I could combine the two. I could invite the client to go on a nature walk with the group but they could have one headphone in while walking. This way, the client might be more motivated to engage in the desired activity because the activity has become more attractive to the client.
- According to the author, there are 3 social groups. How can you use the influence of these groups to improve your work habits? Use an example to illustrate your point.
According to Clear, there are three social groups: the close, the many, and the powerful (Clear, 2018., p. 116). In my words, I believe “the close” social group is that we will began to pick up on the habits of those we surround ourselves with. For example, I usually try to select friends that focus on their school work. This way, I know that we will motivate each other to succeed in our classes. Secondly, “the many” social group is where people fall to the idea of peer pressure. From personal experience, I can find it challenging to stick up for myself. So I might just go along with the crowd because I don’t want to start a conflict. I have experienced this when it comes to meetings. When I believe that I am outnumbered, sometimes I don’t bother standing up for myself because I don’t believe that I will win. However, the idea of “the many” has allowed me to hear the opinions of others that I might have never heard if I would have spoken up immediately. Lastly, the final group is “the powerful” social group. This is the concept of that humans tend to trust and follow other individuals who have a significant higher status that other individuals. I can apply this concept to improve my work habits by leaning to the advice of experts than instead of listening to my anxiety and automatically assuming the worst. Overall, I believe all of these concepts are powerful in their own way. However, if I had to select one that best suits my current lifestyle, I would say “the close” social group is the most powerful group in my life. When I surround myself with like-minded individuals who strive to do well this helps me push myself to be the absolute best that I can be.
Reference:
Clear, James. (2018). Atomic Habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits and break bad ones. New York, NY: Penguin Random House LLC.
Criteria for Success:
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Learning Outcome: Completed Blog Post The student completed a reflective writing blog post according to the assignment description to include replying to all questions in a narrative (paragraph) format.
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Learning Outcome: Attendance & Participation The student was on time to the book club meeting, attended the entire session, and participated actively and independently in the discussion/activities presented.
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