The Secret Doctors Use to Master Any Skill (It Works for Habits Too!)

In medical school, we learned through a powerful teaching method: Watch one. Do one. Teach one.

The idea is simple. First, you observe a procedure—watching every step carefully. Then, you perform it yourself, applying what you just saw. Finally, to truly solidify the knowledge, you teach it to someone else.

This wasn’t just a suggestion; it was how doctors-in-training became proficient at life-saving skills. We had to see it, do it, and then explain it to someone else. Because teaching forces you to organize your thoughts, clarify your understanding, and fill in any gaps.

But not everyone even got the chance to watch one before being expected to do one. That’s why I wrote Blueprint’s Clinical Procedures, a guide for medical students who hadn’t had the opportunity to see basic procedures before they were thrown into the deep end. Because when you don’t get to watch first, doing can be overwhelming. And if you never teach it, you’ll never master it.

This principle applies far beyond medicine. And today, I’m going to show you exactly how to use watch one, do one, teach one to rewire your habits and transform your life.

---

Applying Watch-Do-Teach to Habit Healing

If you want to change your habits and make them stick, watching or learning about them isn’t enough. You have to apply them. And if you really want to master them, you need to teach them to someone else.

Let’s walk through an example using props—real-world objects that help make the concept easier to visualize and apply.

Step 1: Watch One (Learn the Habit Healer Framework)

Imagine sitting at your bathroom sink. In front of you, there are three simple objects:

1️⃣ A toothbrush – something you already use every day.
2️⃣ A glass of water – representing the new habit.
3️⃣ A sticky note on the mirror – a reminder to connect the two.

You observe the process: after brushing your teeth, you pick up the glass of water and drink it. Simple, right?

What just happened is called habit stacking—linking a new habit to one that already exists. You’ve now watched how this works in action.

---

Step 2: Do One (Apply It Yourself & Celebrate It!)

Now, it’s time to do the habit yourself.

Tonight or tomorrow morning, when you brush your teeth, pause for a moment. Look at the glass of water sitting on the counter. Then, drink the entire glass immediately after brushing.

But here’s the most important part—after you drink the water, celebrate it.

Why? Because celebration cements habits into your brain. When you celebrate, your brain releases dopamine, reinforcing the new behavior and making it easier to repeat.

How to celebrate:

• Smile and say, "Yes! I did it!"

• Do a little fist pump 💪

• Clap your hands and say, "Way to go!"

• If you want, even do a tiny happy dance.

It may feel silly, but science shows that this small burst of joy rewires your brain faster than willpower ever could.

---

Step 3: Teach One (Lock It in by Explaining It to Someone Else)

Now that you’ve done it, it’s time to teach someone else.

Find a friend, family member, or coworker and share this simple trick with them. Say:

"Hey, I learned a really cool way to make drinking water a daily habit. If you pair it with something you already do—like brushing your teeth—it becomes automatic. Every time you brush, drink a glass of water right after. And don’t forget to celebrate—it helps your brain lock in the habit!"

When you explain something to someone else, your brain reinforces the learning. You deepen your own understanding, fill in any gaps, and strengthen the habit for yourself.

---

Why This Works: The Science of Learning & Habit Formation

This watch-do-teach method is scientifically backed. Studies show that:

✅ Observational learning activates mirror neurons in your brain, helping you absorb information better.
✅ Repetition through action strengthens neural connections, making habits automatic over time.
✅ Celebration triggers dopamine, which locks in the habit.
✅ Teaching forces you to clarify concepts, improving retention and application.

Doctors don’t just read about procedures—they watch, do, and teach. The same applies to changing habits.

---

Your Challenge Today: Watch, Do, Teach, Celebrate

1️⃣ Watch: Picture the habit in action—brushing your teeth, then drinking water.
2️⃣ Do: Tonight or tomorrow morning, actually drink a full glass of water right after brushing your teeth.
3️⃣ Celebrate: Immediately after drinking, smile, fist pump, or say “YES!” to trigger the dopamine release.
4️⃣ Teach: Find one person and share the trick with them.

By following these four steps, you’re not just learning—you’re transforming. And that’s how you become a Habit Healer.

You are one healing habit away… and today, that habit starts with watch, do, teach, and celebrate.