Pick a uniform, time yourself doing a task, a deep dive into an irksome request from a boss – plus the benefit of sloth videos. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com; happiercast.com/112; 774-277-9336.
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Try This at Home
Pick a uniform. Here are the two articles I mention about wearing a uniform: “Why I wear the same thing to work everyday” by Matilda Kahl, and the follow-up article, “Saatch & Saatchi has a Dress Like Matilda day.” So fun to see this uniform in action! (The photo above shows people at the “Dress Like Matilda” day.) We talked about Kim Scott, co-host of the podcast Radical Candor and author of the bestselling book Radical Candor, who wears a uniform of an orange sweater and jeans. I also mention the article “Obama’s Way,” the interview by Michael Lewis where President Obama talks about paring down his decisions about choosing suits.
Happiness Hack
Clare in Seattle suggests timing yourself to see how long a task actually takes.
Deep Dive
We return to Cindy’s listener question, which we discussed in episode 108: “My boss quit smoking, and now wants to join me in my precious solo lunchtime walks.” Listeners raised so many excellent points. If you want to take the Four Tendencies quiz, it’s here–find out if you’re an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel. Speaking of Kim Scott, because so many listeners suggested using “radical candor,” we actually called her to ask how to use radical candor in this context. For more info on Radical Candor, check out the podcast. And here’s a photo of the “Flintstone House.” It’s pretty kooky.
Take a look at photos here.
Listener Question
Tara asked for study tips, because she’s a mother, working full-time, and studying for online course.
Demerit
Elizabeth’s glasses were scratched and hard to see through — for years. But now she has new glasses! Demerit becomes gold star.
Gold Star
I give a gold star to Eleanor, who used a cute video of baby sloths to calm herself while getting a shot.