Dooley Noted: 1/7/2013
Last May, I started working at a new practice location. In the restroom, a note sits on the toilet:
“To flush, press knob for three full seconds.”
The first week, I failed to hold the handle. As the flush failed, my brain learned to hold the handle down.
In subsequent months, I started noticing how I held the handle down on every toilet I used – 6 or 7 times a day, every day.
I traverse the city, the US, and the world with fervor. And still, 8 months later, I catch myself holding the handle down on every toilet, every time.
This is motor learning. This is the formation of habit.
You absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks. You can learn. You first have to fail, but have a reason to succeed. Then, you have to repeat the new program until the brain learns.
It’s like updating the software on a computer.
If you want to retrain gait – it can be done.
If you want to improve your pushing or pulling power – it can be done.
If you want to squat or lunge without pain – it can be done.
If you want to pick up things without hurting yourself – it can be done.
Get assessed. Get advised on how to learn a new habit.
Then, do good work to integrate the habit.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley