Need A Change?

Now's the time to make one, according to this behavioral scientist.

View this email online Beck Harlan/NPR Friends, Memorial Day weekend has arrived! Time for Dad to fire up the barbecue, the brave to break out those white linen pants, and for all of us to get summer started.  In sum, it’s our calendar signal that change is officially coming — not that we really need the reminder this year. On this, the anniversary week of George Floyd’s murder, there’s been a lot of discussion on how the country has changed since, how much hasn’t, and how much racial trauma yet remains. We’ve been feeling the tide turning in other ways. Half of all U.S. adults are now fully vaccinated, and with that, business, states, and borders are opening back up in a big way.  All of this to say: Change — in its many forms — can be good. And also hard. And also slow going.  Newsletter continues after sponsor message If you’re feeling the urge to switch things up in your own life, behavioral scientist Katy Milkman says that’s natural — and now is a good time to get started. Milkman and her colleagues have shown that “fresh starts” — like new jobs, new homes and even new years — are powerful motivators for taking big steps. Simply starting a new habit at the beginning of a new chapter in life can help you succeed, she writes in her new book, How To Change.  So if the prospect of hanging out with loved ones maskless in the warm weather has you itching for a fresh start, lean in. Looking for some tips to get going? We thought you’d never ask.  Flexibility is a key component of building a good habit: Looking to start a new workout routine or finally, finally learn to play that instrument? Milkman’s research shows that enforcing a strict schedule for your activity is less successful than setting an “ideal time” and allowing yourself some leeway if you need it.  Beat procrastination with restrictions specific to you: "We're really used to it when other people try to set up boundaries for us — set deadlines, set restrictions on us," Milkman says. She suggests a counterintuitive idea: deploying those restrictions on ourselves. Research shows that when college students choose deadlines with actual late penalties, their performance improves. You could even try imposing a cash commitment on yourself. Set up a procrastination savings jar and drop in change whenever you're putting things off.  Remember: change isn’t one and done: Whether you're learning a skill or building healthier habits, lasting change requires lasting attention, says Milkman.  Listen to the episode In the meantime, enjoy your long weekend, all. Lots of things are changing — but a perfectly sweet slice of watermelon? That is eternal.  —Andee Tagle, Life Kit producer We love hearing from you. And we *love* hearing your random life tips. 📹 In fact, we love it so much we started testing out your tips in this new video series on Instagram. 📹 So send us a note at lifekit@npr.org or leave us a voicemail with a greeting, your name, phone number and your tip at 202.216.9823.   You could hear yourself in an upcoming episode or see your tip tested on NPR's Instagram account. Thanks for sticking with us! Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: LifeKit@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Life Kit emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy