Happy 2022 Deb, thank you for letting this topic (and this reading) start a new week for me. 3 add-on/kudos specifically:
1. To deal with colleagues who cannot fully "disagree but commit", I have learned that they may have a need of letting themselves heard. So I approach and listen, with (literally) blankness in my mind (so that I don't try to defend a view.)
2. New year is as much about learning/adding as reducing. Similar to what you did to remove junk mails, I actually just reviewed my newsletter subscriptions over the weekend. I added some, but also made sure I removed a few so that I don't create too much friction for myself down the road. For example, I have been viciously learning about parenting, subscribing everything under the sun. Now that my youngest is about to leave for college, I am pulling back on some newsletters related to college application (still need the parenting advice because we are parents for ever.)
3. Lastly, your "We don't negotiate with terrorists" gave me so much laugh that the joy will last a week!
Hi Deb, Great advice. Thanks a lot for sharing. Now I can think about some of my pinch points and ways to reducing the friction. Great way to put it!
However would like to know how you solved issue with the stubborn child, very relatable so asking for a little clarification if you will. Couldn't quite figure out what actually happened. It became a little vague from this sentence: "For five months, they were unable to control themselves, so they had to keep doing the dishes month after month. Finally, after much teeth-gritting on their part, they made it through a month without complaining, so we were able to reshuffle things. The complaining declined substantially with the new chore split. "
Basically, we told said child, "If you can manage to get through one month without complaining, we will allow you to swap chores with your siblings." They finally managed to stop complaining and making us miserable for a month, so we did a process (which I can write about later) that let them allocate points to chores based on desirability. This child managed to escape dishes and exchanged it for several other chores. And they are complaining much less.
I agree, it's so important to reduce friction from exercise, to improve the chances you'll do it consistently. Dual ellipticals are great! Have you thought of putting out a yoga mat and a bit of basic equipment like dumbbells or resistance bands? Although the latter might become a dog chew toy...
Happy 2022 Deb, thank you for letting this topic (and this reading) start a new week for me. 3 add-on/kudos specifically:
1. To deal with colleagues who cannot fully "disagree but commit", I have learned that they may have a need of letting themselves heard. So I approach and listen, with (literally) blankness in my mind (so that I don't try to defend a view.)
2. New year is as much about learning/adding as reducing. Similar to what you did to remove junk mails, I actually just reviewed my newsletter subscriptions over the weekend. I added some, but also made sure I removed a few so that I don't create too much friction for myself down the road. For example, I have been viciously learning about parenting, subscribing everything under the sun. Now that my youngest is about to leave for college, I am pulling back on some newsletters related to college application (still need the parenting advice because we are parents for ever.)
3. Lastly, your "We don't negotiate with terrorists" gave me so much laugh that the joy will last a week!
Cheers and regards.
I love the tips!
Hi Deb, Great advice. Thanks a lot for sharing. Now I can think about some of my pinch points and ways to reducing the friction. Great way to put it!
However would like to know how you solved issue with the stubborn child, very relatable so asking for a little clarification if you will. Couldn't quite figure out what actually happened. It became a little vague from this sentence: "For five months, they were unable to control themselves, so they had to keep doing the dishes month after month. Finally, after much teeth-gritting on their part, they made it through a month without complaining, so we were able to reshuffle things. The complaining declined substantially with the new chore split. "
Basically, we told said child, "If you can manage to get through one month without complaining, we will allow you to swap chores with your siblings." They finally managed to stop complaining and making us miserable for a month, so we did a process (which I can write about later) that let them allocate points to chores based on desirability. This child managed to escape dishes and exchanged it for several other chores. And they are complaining much less.
I agree, it's so important to reduce friction from exercise, to improve the chances you'll do it consistently. Dual ellipticals are great! Have you thought of putting out a yoga mat and a bit of basic equipment like dumbbells or resistance bands? Although the latter might become a dog chew toy...
David just bought dumbbells and put them in the living room. I have a weight in family room, but Wonton decided that it was her favorite toy...