Making Habits Stick: A School Counselor’s Guide

Hey there, school counselors! Welcome back to the “School for School Counselors” blog. I’m thrilled to have you here for another post that’s close to my heart. We’re diving headfirst into October, a time of year many of us call “Shocktober.” The excitement of a new school year is fading, and the reality of frantic paces is setting in for both students and staff. Managing our responsibilities efficiently has never been more critical.

Today, we’re talking about habits—developing new ones, making them stick, and ensuring they help rather than hinder. And before you eye-roll me into next week, thinking, “Steph, I don’t have time for one more thing,” hang tight. I promise, it’s worth it.

Why Habits Matter

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? Habits are the secret sauce to keeping ourselves sane and productive, especially in the whirlwind that is school counseling. Without solid habits, our days can feel like one giant juggling act, constantly reacting to the next emergency instead of proactively supporting our students.

The Habit Loop

First things first—understanding the habit loop. Charles Dewig’s model from “The Power of Habit” breaks down habits into three components: cue, routine, and reward. James Clear expands on this in “Atomic Habits” with cue, craving, response, reward. Sounds simple, right? But let’s break it down even further.

1. Cue: This is the trigger that reminds you to start the habit. It needs to be obvious. Think sticky notes on your desk, alerts on your phone, or calendar reminders. If it’s not in your face, it won’t happen.
2. Craving: What makes the habit attractive? Maybe it’s the satisfaction of ticking a task off your to-do list or the anticipation of a reward.
3. Response: The action itself. It needs to be easy. The lesser the friction, the higher the chances you’ll follow through.
4. Reward: What do you get out of it? It could be a small treat, a five-minute break, or even the inner satisfaction of completing something important.
   

Making It Work

Start With The Cue

The cue is often the overlooked hero of habit formation. Willpower alone won’t cut it. You need tangible, non-negotiable cues. A sticky note on your desk, a scheduled alert, or a procedural reminder (like after I finish morning duty, I will triage my daily intentions)—these are all excellent cues.

Craving the Change

Here’s where it gets interesting. Your craving should make the habit attractive. Pair the habit with something enjoyable or rewarding. For instance, if you dread IEP counseling because of the chaos it involves, remind yourself of the joy that comes from direct student interaction.

A Smooth Response

The response has to be easy. If tracking your time involves a labyrinth of steps, simplify it! Keep the spreadsheet open on your desktop or use a planner. Reduce the steps to bare minimums like jotting things down quickly, so you don’t dread the process.

Savor the Reward

Rewards don’t have to be grand gestures. A small treat or a quick break can reinforce behaviors. I keep a stash of Ghirardelli chocolate squares for special celebrations (because who doesn’t love a little indulgence?).

Habit Stacking

Attach a new habit to an existing one. This makes it easier to remember and integrate into your routine. For example, every morning I make a cup of coffee and then check my emails. Putting tasks back-to-back, such as triaging my day right after finishing my coffee, creates a seamless flow.

Consistency Over Perfection

Developing new habits is about consistency, not perfection. Slip-ups happen, and that’s okay. Missing one opportunity doesn’t derail your entire progress. Self-monitoring and tracking your habits can significantly increase your chances of success. Use habit-tracking apps, checklists, or even sticky notes to keep yourself accountable.

Affirmation: “I Am a Data-Driven School Counselor”

Focusing on the kind of person you want to be, rather than the habit itself, can be powerful. For instance, tell yourself, “I am a data-driven school counselor,” rather than, “I want to collect use-of-time data.” This mindset increases your self-compassion and motivation.

Action Plan

1. Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t miss out on any of our upcoming episodes.
2. Start One New Habit Stack: Implement one new habit stack this week using the cue, craving, response, and reward model. Need a planning sheet? Check out the show notes for a quick download.

Conclusion

Next week, we’re shifting gears to focus on serving special student populations, not just in special education or 504 plans but a more global view. From tackling outdated practices to preparing for holiday outreach initiatives, you won’t want to miss it. So hit subscribe and get ready for some enlightening discussions.

Meanwhile, keep being awesome and remember, it’s all about those small changes making a big difference. I hope you have the best week ahead!

Take care,
Steph