Do something together / Dan Ariely

 Dear Dan,

My friends and I are huge fans of action movies, and before the pandemic we used to gather once a month at someone’s house to watch a film. We’ve tried to keep the tradition going by picking a movie for everyone to watch on their own schedule and then getting together on a video chat to talk about it. I enjoy the discussions, but why don’t I seem to like watching the movies as much anymore?

—Jack

Research has shown that when people do something together, shared emotions are amplified, making the activity feel more intense and engaging. That’s especially true if there’s an exciting or emotional component to the activity, as with an action movie. To bring back some of the experience you’re missing, try organizing a watch-party where everyone streams the movie at the same time. Knowing you’re part of a group experience, even in virtual form, can bring back some of the excitement until you can start meeting in person again.

Buying a gift / Dan Ariely

 Dear Dan,

My family did a Secret Santa gift exchange this year, and I was assigned my sister’s new boyfriend, whom I hardly know. I ended up getting him a book, but I have no idea whether he liked it. What’s the best way to buy a gift for someone you don’t know well?

—Allison 

Rather than trying to figure out what the recipient likes and risk getting it wrong, why not give them an experience they’ve never had before, like trying a new kind of cuisine? That way, even if they end up not loving the gift, at least they will have something new and unexpected to look forward to.

Making Things Simpler : Bj Fogg

 1. Increase your skill

2. Tool or resource into your context

3. Scale back the behavior

BJ Fogg: Success key: Focus on habits you want - Take aways

1. The action or activity helps you towards aspiration or outcome

2. Choose an activity (habit) you like to do

3. Make the behavior easier to do

What behaviors do you like to do that will take you to the desired aspiration?

Don't force yourself to do behaviors that you don't like to do.

Over time you will be more open to doing activities that you didn't like before.

Source:  https://vimeo.com/235294215/d47fcc1f14