Episode #53: Experimenting With Your Life With A.J. Jacobs
Apr 4, 2014
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A.J. Jacobs, a writer and human guinea pig, discusses crazy life experiments that made him a better man. Topics include self-tracking, Biblical living impact on behavior, small steps for self-improvement, and becoming the perfect husband. Entertaining insights on motivation and life improvement are shared.
Self-experimentation leads to better habits and healthier lifestyle choices.
Communication is crucial for successful personal experiments and relationship growth.
Exploring ancestry and shared heritage promotes personal growth and unity among individuals.
Deep dives
Life as an Experiment: AJ Jacobs' Unique Approach to Self-Improvement
AJ Jacobs shares his journey of self-experimentation through unconventional methods like living by all the laws in the Bible and following health advice rigorously. By immersing himself in various experiments, such as growing a beard to adhere to biblical rules or trying out different health apps, Jacobs explores the impact of behavior on thoughts and how simple habits can lead to better habits and a healthier lifestyle. He emphasizes the importance of finding motivation for healthy behaviors and shares tips like leaving workout clothes at the door to encourage exercising.
Lessons from Spousal Experiments: The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Human Guinea Pig
Through experiments like being the perfect husband for a month, Jacobs delves into the dynamics of relationships and the impact of self-improvement experiments on his family life. While facing challenges like differing household chore perceptions with his wife, Jacobs learns valuable lessons about gratitude and the power of small gestures in strengthening relationships. He highlights the importance of communication with one's partner when embarking on personal experiments to minimize tension and demonstrate that the journey is for mutual growth.
The Family Connection: Ancestry Exploration and the Journey to the Largest Family Reunion
Jacobs ventures into researching his ancestry and planning the biggest family reunion to uncover the interconnectedness of humanity. Through projects like DNA testing and genealogy, he aims to bring together relatives from varied backgrounds and illustrate the universal nature of familial ties. By embracing the diversity and shared heritage among individuals, Jacobs demonstrates the potential for personal growth and unity through exploring one's lineage.
Starting Small: Embracing Self-Experimentation for Everyday Improvement
AJ Jacobs encourages men to start self-experimentation with small, manageable changes in their daily routines to spark innovation and mental flexibility. By trying different toothpaste flavors or altering commutes, individuals can break neural patterns and enhance brain plasticity. Jacobs emphasizes that even minor shifts can lead to increased mental stimulation and a more engaging life, promoting continual learning and adaptability for personal growth.
A Motivational Journey: Unearthing the Secrets to Behavioral Change and Healthy Habits
In his role at upwave.com, AJ Jacobs delves into motivational techniques for encouraging healthy habits and lifestyle changes. From testing various health apps to exploring new strategies like listening to background noise for creativity, Jacobs uncovers methods to motivate individuals towards better health. He shares insights on connecting daily behaviors to long-term well-being, like thinking about one's future self positively and engaging in diverse experiences, to foster habits that prioritize health and vitality.
In today's episode I talk to A.J. Jacobs, editor at large at Esquire Magazine, writer of several best-sellers (including A Year of Living Biblically, and Drop Dead Healthy), and a self-proclaimed human guinea pig. He's now a contributor to Upwave. A.J. and I discuss some of the crazy experiments he's done with his life, the comic hijinkes that ensued with them, and how they made him a better man.
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