The Nudge

“Never underestimate the power of inertia…People have a strong tendency to go along with the status quo or default option…Loss aversion helps produce inertia, meaning a strong desire to stick with your current holdings.” -Richard H. Thaler, book Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness

“He already knew he could coach. All you had to do was look at each of your players and ask yourself: What story does this guy wish someone would tell him about himself? And then you told the guy that story. You told it with a hint of doom. You included his flaws. You emphasized his obstacles that could prevent him from succeeding. That was what made the story epic: the player, the hero, had to suffer mightily en route to his final triumph. Schwartz knew that people loved to suffer, as long as the suffering made sense. Everybody suffered. The key was to choose the form of your suffering. Most people couldn’t do this alone, they needed a coach. A good coach made you suffer in a way that suited you.” -Chad Harbach, novel The Art Of Fielding

Do you have someone in your life who truly believes in you and your goals, so much so, that they constantly push you to do better? They hold you accountable. Hold you to a higher standard.

Maybe it’s a parent or close friend? A teacher or coach? Maybe a co-worker?

That person can affectionally be termed “The Nudge.”

Are you afraid to tell The Nudge your dreams and plans because you know they’re gonna constantly remind you of what you said you were gonna do?

Don’t be.

Don’t shun The Nudge.

Instead, be grateful you have The Nudge.

If you don’t have The Nudge, then seek one out. It can make all the difference in your life.

And if you do have one, can you be The Nudge for someone else? You can make a giant difference in their life.