Try This at Home

Now that we’re at the anniversary point for the pandemic period, ask yourself, “What valuable lesson have I learned from this time?” The world has experienced so much hardship, loss, and suffering in the pandemic period—but there have also been valuable lessons. It’s helpful to reflect back on what we’ve learned, and what we can take forward into the future.

Happiness Hack

Research shows that to help fight morning grogginess, it’s more effective to set your alarm to melodic music rather than a blaring alarm.

Know Yourself Better

What’s something you bought as a panic purchase when the pandemic period started? I bought a stick vacuum and many cans of tuna fish. Elizabeth bought many cans of soup. And we both bought lots of toilet paper. I mention the distinction between over-buyers and under-buyers.

Listener Question

A listener asks for suggestions for persuading a Rebel co-worker to read the work emails that are very necessary for their jobs as teachers. We suggest pointing to his identity, which is a very high value for Rebels. “I’m a caring, well-prepared teacher who wants to help set my students up for success.” “I’m reliable, and my students and co-workers can count on me.” “I’m not the kind of person who expects special treatment or who thinks his time is more valuable than other people’s time.” What are your suggestions? We’d love to offer more ideas. If you don’t know about the Four Tendencies framework, you can take the free, quick quiz here to find out if you’re an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel.

Elizabeth’s Demerit

As part of the preparation for Fantasy Island, the TV show that she’s show-running, Elizabeth went to Puerto Rico for location scouting—but while there, she didn’t even put her toes in the ocean.

Gretchen’s Gold Star

To stop my phone from ringing at inconvenient times, Jamie told me that if I didn’t want to unplug the cord from the wall, I could just unplug the cord from the set on my desk.

What we’re reading

Elizabeth: Deacon King Kong by James McBride (Amazon, Bookshop) 

Gretchen: Notes from a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi (Amazon, Bookshop)