Hot? Or Not?

Issue No. 43

July 2012

Hot? Or Not?

Dear Friends of Balancing Act,

What's hot? Probably you. In case you've been too busy wiping the sweat from your brow and taking extra showers, I've scanned the web for the best - or most unusual - cooling-off tips that cyberspace has to offer.

Also hot are habits. These low-brain-drain routines can be powerful, for better or worse. That's the word from philosophers and psychologists as far back as Aristotle and William James.

Check out a book that will help you and the organizations you care about change unhelpful habits for the better.

Good habits will doubtless get you farther along on your goals. But maybe you need someone to hold you accountable for reaching them, too. A free web-based service is happy to help cheer you on with virtual and real-life cheers when you make it.

And finally, treat yourself to a positive emotion boost with a sneak-preview (and chance to support) an inspiring new flick about gratitude.

Gratefully yours,

Pat

Hot Habits: They Matter

It's our cravings that spark our habits. So knowing why we crave that mid-afternoon Krackel bar can actually keep us from eating it. That's how journalist Charles Duhigg begins to explain the brain science behind habits in his new book The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business.

Duhigg divides habits into three parts: the cue, the routine and the reward. Maybe the craving is really about getting up from our desks to socialize on the way to the vending machine rather than eating that candy bar. Then, when we feel that hunger cue, we can start a new routine - give ourselves 10 minutes to talk with a colleague - and get the reward we really want, without the sugar.

He divides the book into two parts: individual habits and organizational habits. If you're curious how retailers know which coupons to send you, take a look at Duhigg's explanation of how Target monitors your habits. Intriguing and a little scary.

Holding Yourself Accountable (with help)

Once you've established those great habits and have set some goals they could help you reach, what then?

A crucial ingredient is having a coach or friends to cheer you on, who have only your best interests at heart.

Now there's an online option to help keep you on track: a free accountability service called StickK. The brainchild of Yale University economists, StickK gives you a place to set your goals online and if you choose, to put your money where your mouth is. That is, you can agree to pay a set amount to the organization of your choice each time you fail to meet a goal. .

The site also lets you put together a squad of supporters who will keep tabs on your progress and cheer you on.

Take A Gratitude Break

Gratitude is one of the most powerful positive emotions there is. Regular doses of feeling and showing gratitude can make your well-being shoot up and stay up. Positive emotions can also improve your resilience and help you think more broadly. flower

That being said, this amazing video featuring some of the most inspiring time-lapse photography and commentary, is well worth the 10 minutes it will take you to watch it.

So settle back, click here, and treat yourself to a deep breath of well-being.

If you're inspired to spread the good feelings, you can also support
fllmmaker Louie Schwartzberg in his effort to make this into a full-length feature film.

In This Issue

The Power of Habit

StickK

Gratitude Break

Quick Links

Pat's Website

Dog Journal

Latest Column

BEAT
THE
HEAT

USB FAN

With temperatures hitting the 90s and higher, we went searching online for "expert" tips to beat the heat. There is no shortage of tips. How expert they are, is another matter.

Here's the best of the bizarre for your cooling-off pleasure:

1. Buy a fan. No kidding. Or possibly an air conditioner. Better yet, the personal pan pizza of cooling is to buy a fan that plugs into your computer with a USB cord. At least YOU will stay cool.

2. Plant vines on your house. Really? How fast do they grow?

3. Install awnings. (But try not to die of heat stroke while you do it.)

4. Eat hot peppers.

5. Eat cold food. Ice cream trumps coffee. (Maybe coffee ice cream?

LEASH LAW

NO. 43:

The Dump LIst

This is a hastily written list on which you dump those special projects to be tackled.

For example, cleaning out the kitchen junk drawer or hall closet are classic dump list material.

Keep it handy when you're planning your day, and try to work in a small one every week, to be rewarded by - oh, I don't know - a trip to the Dairy Queen?

This is one of 74 leash laws offered in Pat's book, The Dog Ate My Planner: Tales and Tips from an Overbooked Life.