As I was finishing my run today, I noticed that I felt a lot less grumpy and worn out and “whew I’ll be glad when this is over” than I often do, which I attribute to finishing my mileage on a gentle decline, rather than at the top of a hill. Then I remembered Kahnemann’s colonoscopy study and realized I might be able to harness the peak-end rule to lessen my aversion to running!
This is the first time (that I remember) that I feel like I’ve gotten my hands on a cheat code and known how to use it. Still trying to decide whether to start by trying to optimize every aversive task or cackling maniacally!
Unless you feel like starting a workout is more effortful than it should be/you’d like, I wouldn’t worry too much about optimizing for de-aversion. But if it is, maybe give it a try (and let us know how it goes!)
I like switching things up a lot in the gym. Sometimes I’ll start with cardio and then move to strength training and other times I’ll make it different. Other times I’ll just swim. By keeping it different I keep wanting to go.
As I was finishing my run today, I noticed that I felt a lot less grumpy and worn out and “whew I’ll be glad when this is over” than I often do, which I attribute to finishing my mileage on a gentle decline, rather than at the top of a hill. Then I remembered Kahnemann’s colonoscopy study and realized I might be able to harness the peak-end rule to lessen my aversion to running!
This is the first time (that I remember) that I feel like I’ve gotten my hands on a cheat code and known how to use it. Still trying to decide whether to start by trying to optimize every aversive task or cackling maniacally!
Could you also make those last easy steps more memorable so that availability bias prevails whenever you think of running?
For whatever reason I like to finish my workouts rough. Now you made me wonder if this is psychologically counterproductive.
Hm, perhaps!
Unless you feel like starting a workout is more effortful than it should be/you’d like, I wouldn’t worry too much about optimizing for de-aversion. But if it is, maybe give it a try (and let us know how it goes!)
I like switching things up a lot in the gym. Sometimes I’ll start with cardio and then move to strength training and other times I’ll make it different. Other times I’ll just swim. By keeping it different I keep wanting to go.
This is an awesome trick, and I’m going to incorporate it. Thanks!