We like what we choose
We spend an enormous amount of time searching for what we like and who we are destined to be. What if who we are and what we desire is a byproduct of what we choose?
Happy Sunday, everyone.
We spend an enormous amount of time searching for what we like and who we are destined to be. What if who we are and what we desire is a byproduct of what we choose?
New research shows that the choices we make impact what we like.
People assume they choose things that they like. But research suggests that's sometimes backwards: We like things because we choose them. And, we dislike things that we don't choose.
I chose this, so I must like it. I didn't choose this other thing, so it must not be so good. Adults make these inferences unconsciously
It might explain why there's so much rivalry between people regarding their choices, aka—iOS versus Android, or Microsoft versus Apple.
For example, if you come from a long line of guitar players, were you always destined to like and become a great guitar player, or was it because you were exposed to it growing up?
The research might indicate that the random choices we make lead to preferences, and in turn, our preferences turn into habits and habits into who we thought we were always meant to be.
Had we grown up elsewhere or during a different time, there's little doubt we would be different. What we like is nothing more than what is familiar to us. Seth summarizes it well here.
I’d like to point out that this research relates well to the studies Lisa Feldman Barrett has done and wrote about in her book How Emotions Are Made. She describes how we are not born with specific hardwired emotions, and the meaning we give our feelings and how we experience them has more to do with the environment surrounding us as we grow up. I touched on this in a previous newsletter.
I hope you enjoyed this issue, always happy to hear your feedback.
A few favourites this week
1. Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time: As we transition from DST to ST, this post felt timely. It's done a great job of bringing together links to purposeful research that addresses why permanently choosing DST over ST would be an emotional choice, not a smart one for us, long term. I see this debate show up more and more, and I think it's essential we understand the impact choosing one over the other would have on us.
2. What Americans Can Learn From Scandinavians, the Happiest People in the World: A great article that dives into the cultural differences we see in the Scandinavian region and their impact on its citizens. The article compares them to the American culture, although Canadians could learn a thing or two from the Scandinavians as well.
Quote of the week
Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip.
From Winston Churchill. I want to thank my friend Shane Spice for sharing this one with me.
If you've enjoyed reading these as much as I've enjoyed writing them, consider sharing it with your friends and family. I would greatly appreciate it
Have a great Sunday and a wonderful week.
Miguel,
Sparknotion – Think Differently.