How to use Pavlov's dogs to change the way you think about your work

Have you ever heard of Ivan Pavlov and his dogs?

One day, Ivan Pavlov, a physiologist, noticed one thing while observing dogs.

The dogs salivate whenever they hear the bells. They get excited.  Somehow, they knew what was coming.

Food.

The dogs learned to associate the bell sound (the cue) with the arrival of food.

And that's how Pavlov discovered classical conditioning.

The experiment points to an interesting concept called learned associations.

But what does learned association mean in the context of your work? And how can you relate?

Here’s my reflection on the Pavlov story.

We follow cues to act a certain way. We associate those cues with the environment or our home turf. Those well-learned associations become our guiding principles.

Consider my experience working in audit back in my home country.

One of the cues I’ve observed as a younger audit professional?

You can't leave when your senior, manager, or someone higher up is still around. The cue came from our association of not leaving as a respect for the hierarchy.

For many of us, the cues we observe around us become well-learned associations. When the cues repeat over time, they become part of the work culture.

Again, consider my experience of doing audits in another country.

When I came to Belgium, I went solo, a stranger in a foreign country.

I'm not on my home turf. I had no idea of what work or social cues to follow. So I re-learned and created new associations based on my environment.

For example, while working remotely during the pandemic, I didn't have to wait for my team leaders to log off before I did. I was more focused on completing my tasks.

The latest I've ever stayed in a busy season is 8 or 9 pm for several days, but that was out of my choice, not because someone told me to do so.

I told my teams not to bother each other after 6 pm. I don't work and send emails on weekends, holidays, vacations. I expected my team to do the same.

My learned associations during the pandemic became an acquired habit, a healthier routine that resulted in a more balanced work-life integration while I was abroad.

But even when I was back in my home country, I've always been careful to observe the social cues, then, find a way to break them if I could.

I have annoyed some people in the process.

But, I also earned respect and alignment from those who understood my working style.

Think about the concept of learned associations.

How can you apply this concept to break the status quo of your thinking and way of life?

***

I know some of you will not think of leaving your home turf.

And it's ok.

But even from within our environments, when do you recognize when you're acting like Pavlov's dogs? That is, reacting to the sound of a bell and letting your conditioning take over.

There’s a reason why we’re intellectually superior to other beings on this planet. It’s because of our will. (I remember many Philosophy classes emphasizing this over and over).

So when we don’t exercise our will, what makes us different from other animals in the animal kingdom?

But before this can turn into some philosophic ramblings (for which there's no space in a newsletter), here’s the insight I want to leave with you today.

Use your judgment to create positive and healthy experiences that make people’s lives easier.

Here are proven ways to make your 1% impact starting now.

• Identify at least one social cue you associate with a negative experience or mindset.

• Re-learn a new social cue to replace the association with something more positive.

• Use the new and positive social cues to establish a healthier routine or a revised way of work.

In which area of your life will you start creating your 1% impact?

What’s next? Some exciting stuff made especially for you!

I’m on the Q2 mark of my entrepreneurial journey.

First, I spent some time reflecting and renewing my energy for the coming months during the Easter break. (I hope you also had some time to recharge. I was privileged to do so with my family back in the Philippines.)

After a break in my usual routines (and focus), it’s time to kickstart again.

I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. What if I create an e-book to share real-life experiences and insights with aspiring accountants who want to start or build their career in audit?

Some working titles I have in my drafts:

• OPTION 1: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Career in Audit

• OPTION 2: Less than 60 hours - Productivity Tips for Busy Auditors

What do you think? Is an e-book a good idea? Or do you prefer a different form? Vote which title you love best and the topic you’d want me to focus on by replying to this email.

Plus, if you’re a migrant accountant, I have some other surprises in the works for you. More details to come soon.

PPS. Only 10 slots are available weekly between April to June for my coaching/consulting sessions.

If you have a major decision to make in the coming months, if you’re conflicted between choices, or if you simply want a sounding board for your plans and goals, feel free to schedule a call with me.

If it’s your first time working with me, you get a risk-free, pay later session. That means if you’re not satisfied with the coaching/consulting you received, you don’t have to pay.

Book your session now, or visit my website to learn more about my updated services and rates.

Tin here! Welcome to Busy Season Journals, a newsletter made especially for you by a fellow accountant/auditor, adventurer, and coach-guide. I write about my adventures as an accountant and auditor and everything in between. You get deeper insights and personal stories on how to shape a happy, meaningful journey.

What do you think of today’s newsletter? Suggestions or ideas are always welcome through [email protected].