MrJ
Slightly off topic but our instructors came up with the idea of 'rumours' and 'news', that is to say that whatever button is pressed on the flight mode panel (FMP) it must be confirmed by observation of the ACTUAL mode on the FMA.
They came up with the idea that the illuminated button on the flight mode panel represented 'rumour' and the FMA indication was actual 'news'.
We're a simple lot (well I am!) and that helped to cement the idea in my head and got me used to confirming every selection on the FMA - so much so that I only ever look at the FMP to check the button I'm pressing and then never look at it again.
Thought that might help?