Charles Duhigg

1 week ago | waterstones.com | Anna Orhanen |Charles Duhigg |Chris Voss |Doris Kearns Goodwin

In 2022, I started recording short videos from the front seat of my car about how to have better conversations. As a trial lawyer in Texas, I saw firsthand how poor communication led to bad arguments, heated conversations and, ultimately, disconnection. Thinking I’d share some useful advice that I give my own clients, I began making videos about how to improve conversations. I could’ve never imagined that what started with my 800 followers on Instagram would soon go viral internationally.

1 month ago | charlesduhigg.substack.com | Charles Duhigg

Spending money on others is extremely rewarding. Pro-social spending - when we buy coffee for a friend, or treat mom to a massage - can make us feel good for weeks. And it doesn’t take much: spending just $5 on someone else is often as powerful as spending $50 on ourselves. What’s more, accepting gifts is a kindness - you, and the giver, both get a neurotransmitter boost. So set aside $10 each week to buy a co-worker a latte, and accept a flower from a stranger. Buy time, rather than things.

1 month ago | charlesduhigg.substack.com | Charles Duhigg

The formula for friendship is Time + Boredom + Self-Delusion.It usually takes 43 to 60 hours to become friends, and 80 to 100 hours to become really close.So plan lots of ‘empty’ time together (remember all those college hang-outs?). Silent time can be important - see a ballgame together, take a long hike, or just watch TV side-by-side.

2 months ago | innerself.com | Beth McDaniel |James Clear |Charles Duhigg |BJ Fogg

What is the real difference between loneliness and solitude? Can solitude improve your mental health? When does solitude become harmful? Why is loneliness so emotionally painful? How can you embrace solitude while avoiding loneliness? by Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.comYou pour yourself a warm cup of tea and settle into your favorite chair. The house is quiet, and the chaos of the day finally gives way to stillness. For some, that moment feels like a hug. For others, it feels like being forgotten.

2 months ago | community.thriveglobal.com | Charles Duhigg

Try to recall your last meaningful conversation. Perhaps you and a loved one were discussing how to divvy up household chores. Or maybe it was a work meeting about next year’s budget. Possibly you were debating with friends about who should be the next president, or gossiping about whether your neighbors Pablo and Zach are going to break up. As the conversation started, how did you know what everyone wanted to discuss?