Update
It has been very exciting to see the release of The Happiness Project Tenth Anniversary Edition. What a joy it has been to work on this book, for all ten years! If you’re planning to give a copy of the book as a gift, you may want to request a personalized, free bookplate to put in it, or request a bookplate for yourself. Sign up here. U.S. and Canada only, I’m afraid—mailing costs.
Try This at Home
Make an introduction. Elizabeth mentions Malcolm Gladwell’s famous New Yorker profile of Lois Weisberg: “Six Degrees of Lois Weisberg.” I also mentioned Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor (among many other claims to fame). She’s a Rebel, by the way.
Happiness Hack
Have an “emergency book” in mind when you travel. We mention possible emergency books as A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman, The Witch Elm by Tana French, and Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. Send us your recommendations!
Four Tendencies Tip
How to use accountability for Obligers who aren’t showing up for health-related groups—despite having signed up and seeming enthusiastic. Remember, for Obligers, it’s about outer accountability. If something is “making time for myself,” that won’t cut it. We’re talking of course about the Four Tendencies. If you want to know if you’re an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel (or what someone else’s Tendency is), take the quiz here.
Listener Question
How can we deal with the impulse to store up immense quantities of digital information? I suffer from this challenge, too. To learn more about the maximizer vs. satisficer distinction, read here. Also check out Barry Schwartz’s terrific book, The Paradox of Choice.
Elizabeth’s Demerit: Elizabeth let her closet get very messy. If you want to listen to the long-ago episode where Elizabeth and I cleared her closet together, it’s here.
Gretchen’s Gold Star: I give a gold star to the terrific podcast hosted by my friend Will Schwalbe: But That’s Another Story. If you love to read, you’ll love to listen. Also, you’ll love to read Will’s own books, Books for Living and The End of Your Life Book Club.