The Power of Habit | Jude Aburdan | TEDxSafirSchool

Summary

In this inspiring talk, Jude Abordan, a fresh graduate from Istanbul Medical University, shares his journey from high school success to facing failure in medical school. After struggling with his first exam, Jude transformed his approach by developing effective study habits, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, and surrounding himself with supportive friends. He emphasizes the importance of positive self-talk and the habit loop method to create lasting change. Jude's experience illustrates that while motivation initiates change, it is the consistent habits we build that lead to long-term success. His ultimate goal is to specialize in surgery in the United States, demonstrating resilience and determination.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace failure as a crucial part of growth; it's often the first step towards success.
• 😀 Developing new study techniques can significantly improve academic performance and retention.
• 😀 Healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, play a vital role in managing stress.
• 😀 Surrounding yourself with supportive and motivated individuals can enhance your personal and academic journey.
• 😀 Positive self-talk and affirmations can help shift your mindset and build confidence.
• 😀 The habit loop (cue, routine, reward) is an effective framework for establishing and maintaining new habits.
• 😀 Active recall is a powerful study technique that enhances memory retention and understanding.
• 😀 It's essential to create triggers that encourage productive behaviors and reduce procrastination.
• 😀 Focus on small, consistent changes rather than seeking immediate, large-scale results.
• 😀 Believe in your potential for change and resilience, as this mindset is key to overcoming obstacles.

Q & A

What motivated Jude to pursue a career in medicine?

Jude was passionate about excelling in various activities and sought to achieve his dreams, which led him to pursue a career in medicine.

How did Jude feel after failing his first exam in medical school?

He felt shattered and lost confidence, experiencing self-doubt and questioning his suitability for medicine for the first time.

What personality type does Jude identify with, and how did it affect his reaction to failure?

Jude identifies as a Type A personality, characterized by ambition and high self-awareness, which intensified his reaction to failure and stress.

What methods did Jude implement to improve his study habits?

He developed new study techniques, such as using sticky notes for key information, drawing anatomical structures, and utilizing the active recall method.

What lifestyle changes did Jude make to support his academic success?

He improved his diet by cooking healthy meals, practiced yoga for stress relief, and focused on surrounding himself with motivating friends.

What is the 'habit loop' and how did Jude use it in his routine?

The habit loop, as described by Charles Duhigg, consists of a cue, routine, and reward. Jude used his desk as a cue to initiate studying, which led to the reward of relaxation activities.

What role does motivation play in achieving goals, according to Jude?

Motivation is essential for starting a journey, but it is the development of habits that sustains progress toward achieving long-term goals.

How did Jude’s perspective on failure change throughout his journey?

Initially, he viewed failure as a negative experience, but later recognized it as a critical component of growth and learning.

What are Jude's future aspirations in his medical career?

He aims to specialize in surgery in the United States and to launch his own medical uniform brand.

What message does Jude want the audience to take away from his story?

He wants the audience to understand that belief in one's potential for change can empower them to overcome obstacles and that habits are crucial for maintaining motivation.