Sometimes we need a little nudge to make good choices. Leonardo da Vinci believed (or realised) that everything is connected. If everything is connected, everything matters – even small details that may seem to have no connection.

Let’s think about ‘spillage’ – a polite term for the unnecessary mess made when gentlemen don’t pay attention when they visit the Gents. Nobody wants spillage. Understanding that the real issue is a matter of focus, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport tried an innovative experiment.  

In the Gents at Schiphol, they etched images of a fly into each of the urinals. ‘Spillage’ was reduced by 80%. I’d hope I don’t have to spell out why but it is the point of this blog. When the gentlemen had something to aim at, their aim improved. In fact, I’ve occasionally seen this witticism in Gents facilities: “We aim to please; you aim too, please.” The image of the fly is a nudge – a suggestion – a catalyst that helps make life better for all users.

There are nudges that can help us prioritise our wellbeing. Many of mine are linked to the rhythm of the calendar: appointments. From sessions with a counsellor, to support groups, to scheduled social opportunities such as the Book Club – all these nudge me in a direction to do something that would be good for anyone who needs to connect and do something healthy.

Each focus gives me the space to get into a highly desirable state of flow – that state where you relax and good outcomes simply seem to happen with very little effort. Flow follows focus. Nudges are the friend of focus.

I was wondering what little nudges you use to encourage behaviour that builds you up each season, month, or week.  Would you be willing to share some examples with us?

Lex

A Moodscope member