Basically the article argues that doing things outside your normal routine is good for your brain and increases happiness. Without further ado, the list:
1. Spend an hour each day without saying anything except in answer to direct questions, in the midst of the usual group, without creating the impression that you're sulking or ill. Be as ordinary as possible. But do not volunteer remarks or try to draw out information.
2. Think for 30 minutes a day about one subject exclusively. Start with five minutes.
3. Write a letter without using the words I, me, mine, my.
4. Talk for 15 minutes a day without using I, me, my, mine.
5. Write a letter in a "successful" or placid tone. No misstatements, no lying. Look for aspects or activities that can be honestly reported that way.
6. Pause on the threshold of any crowded room and size it up.
7. Keep a new acquaintance talking about himself or herself without allowing him to become conscious of it. Turn back any courteous reciprocal questions in a way that your auditor doesn't feel rebuffed.
8. Talk exclusively about yourself and your interests without complaining, boasting, or boring your companions.
9. Cut "I mean" or "As a matter of fact" or any other verbal mannerism out of your conversation.
10. Plan two hours of a day and stick to the plan.
11. Set yourself twelve tasks at random: e.g., go twenty miles from home using ordinary conveyance; go 12 hours without food; go eat a meal in the unlikeliest place you can find; say nothing all day except in answer to questions; stay up all night and work.
12. From time to time, give yourself a day when you answer "yes" to any reasonable request.
I especially like #'s 1, 2, 11, and 12 and plan to try them. Do any catch your eye? Why?
3 comments:
Very interesting! #10 caught my eye because I tend to have amazing plans of things to accomplish in the morning and then 11 pm rolls around and I realize I didn't get anything done...perhaps I will give the planned 2 hours a try!
-Christine
"Write a letter without using the words I, me, mine, my."
I try and I try but I just can't separate my narcissism from my speech.
Hahahhaa, well done Chris.
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