Podcast 63: The Problem of Passwords, Why Rewards Can Be Dangerous, and Does Elizabeth Have to Write These Thank-You Notes?

It’s time for the next installment of  “Happier with Gretchen Rubin.

Try This at Home

In Episode 61, we asked listeners for answers to Emily’s question about how to manage online passwords.  The answer: have a strategy.

Better Than Before Habit Strategy

The Strategy of Rewards is a very, very tricky strategy to use. People often mis-use rewards when they’re trying to create a habit.

If you want the checklist for habit change, it’s here, at the bottom of the list.

Listener Question

Nine-year-old Isobel asks “How can we be happier while taking tests?” The book I mention is Kelly McGonigal’s The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It.

Elizabeth’s Demerit

Elizabeth didn’t write thank-you notes after Jack’s birthday party. I contest this demerit!

Gretchen’s Gold Star

I used the Strategy of Scheduling to work on my Four Tendencies quiz. (You can take it here to find out if you’re an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel.)

 

 

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