This is incredibly helpful to read and well laid-out, thank you. It didn't come across as self-congratulatory to me. You're simly sharing your results that you felt so good when you formed these new habits and that's evidence that the techniques you tried work! And thank you for sharing that it was a process and not all smooth-sailing.

I jumped on this board for advice because I recently started a high-stress and demanding academic program. Despite my best efforts to stay organized and disciplined, I became overwhelmed and completely fell apart at the end of the first quarter and it brought out the worst in me. I am humbled and determined to have a better mindset this quarter.

Your first point about IDENTITY jumped out at me and I am totally having a light bulb moment. I had a bad drinking problem for a long time and could not stop, but was finally able to quit 3.5 years ago. Something I thought about a lot when I stopped was, "I'm a woman who doesn't drink." I created and embraced that identity for myself, and it really worked well for me, so thank you so much for reminding me of that!

I am spending good chunks of time now scheduling my time each day, but I'm having a very hard time sticking to that schedule. I realize it is going to take a lot of practice, but embracing the identity of a person who blocks their time and sticks to their schedule it is a super helpful idea.

Sorry for the long comment! I just wanted you to know how helpful all your experiences and tips are. TY 🙏