Habit change: mechanisms, strategies, and behavioral outcomes

¶ … two-week project in trying to become a more active listener. I believe that I have identified that my biggest problem is that I try to do too many things at one time, and try to listen while I am working or thinking about something else. This is often the result of poor management on my part. While I have been successful in improving this habit, there are still times when it comes in. Today I have decided to just be more aware of how I use my time and my interactions with my peers.

Day 2 Yesterday was not a good one for me. With more and more class work coming up as the term progresses, I find that my time is more and more precious and that I am continuing to work on things at the last minute or in places in which I am available for conversation with my peers. As a result, there were several times today when I was approached for conversation and I found myself falling back into my old habit of only half listening to what people were saying. I do not feel comfortable in telling people that I need to work and will talk to them later. I feel more like I need to have their approval and I am flattered by their desire to talk to me. At the same time I feel the old irritation and frustration creeping in. I have also noticed that the work I complete while I am talking to someone is of poor quality. Obviously this habit is not working for anyone.

Day 3 Made up my mind today to stop what I was doing if anyone talked to me. When someone approached me, I deliberately turned away from my work to try to give them my full attention. This did not work. I found my mind straying back to what I should be doing. I think I also gave off a vibe that let people know I was not really concentrating on what they had to say. Still do not feel comfortable asking anyone to talk to me later. My feelings of frustration are beginning to get larger.

Day 4 I isolated myself today in the library to do the work that I had to get done. I have to say that it was rather inconvenient but it was quiet and I realized that fewer people tend to bother you when you are working in the library. It is interesting that I used the word "bother" in the last sentence. I guess that is what I am realizing, while I like talking to people I do feel that when they approach me when I am working or otherwise occupied, I do feel bothered by the interruption. I also felt a little irritated that I had to isolate myself.

Day 5 Went back to my old work areas today. I realize now that as busy as my life is, I cannot finish my work all before I go to school nor do I have the desire to go to the library and make a geographical cure. This time I decided to tell people that I would like to talk to them but I did not have the time and would try to get back with them tomorrow. How funny, no one came up to speak with me today, I think that everyone is feeling the time crunch and are trying to get things done as I am.

Day 6 Worked at home most of the day, trying to get ahead so the work issue could be removed from the factor of the problem I have with listening. Didn't really see anyone so didn't really get a chance to practice my theories.

Day 7 Got to practice when I was interrupted by a telephone call today. I was working at the computer when a friend called. I wanted to talk to him, but at the same time I was doing some good work and wanted to try to keep on target. I found that I was incapable of interrupting his conversation. I kept working on the computer while he was talking, with the phone cradled between my ear and my shoulder. Once he actually asked me if I was typing while he was talking. It took me aback, and I denied it but I think we both knew it was a lie. I was falling back into not listening. I realize that not being able to tell him was probably worse than not listening.