For PGP, I have just finished reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Personally, I dislike reading and thought this book would be terrible, but it actually wasn’t. While it did drag on in parts, this book was pretty interesting, and I learned a lot from it. For example, sitting down and getting schoolwork done while staying focused on the task at hand has always been a struggle for me. I would sit down and get my iPad out, but within seconds, I would be distracted by something. While reading the book, I learned that just sitting and doing my schoolwork won’t always work because of the systems behind it. My desk is filthy and covered with papers, cans, dishes, elastic bands, etc. There is barely any room to put my iPad on my desk, and there are distractions everywhere. So instead of just throwing all my garbage on my desk, I would take the time to walk to a garbage can and throw it out before it piles up on my desk. Same with dishes, instead of stacking them on my desk, I’d put them right by my door, so I’d remember to take them to the kitchen when I’d leave my room. After a while, my desk started to look a little better, and I’ve gotten a lot more done. I can say that I am writing this from a (somewhat) clean desk!

For PGP class, we also did this thing called positive brain training or PBT. Since early February, I have been practicing the different PBT methods we were taught: journaling, exercise, meditation, conscious acts of kindness, and three gratitudes. My personal favorite was journaling. It felt like a safe place where I could just get all my thoughts out and write about whatever I was thinking about without being judged.

Overall, I enjoyed “Atomic Habits” and would recommend it. I also enjoyed most of the PBT and feel that I am a better person.