Unlock Better Decisions with Second-Level Thinking

Welcome to Effective Habits, a weekly newsletter where I share evidence-based strategies and tools to help you live a happy, healthy, and productive life.

Today at a Glance:

• Scrolling Through Online Videos Increases Feelings of Boredom, Study Finds

• Sorry, You Need a Neck Fan

• Levels of Thinking: How to Make Better Decisions with Second-Level Thinking

Scrolling Through Online Videos Increases Feelings of Boredom, Study Finds
Nicola Davis

Lights, Camera, ...
Constantly switching or skipping through videos on platforms like TikTok or YouTube might feel like a way to escape boredom, but research shows it actually makes you more bored. According to a study from the University of Toronto, led by Dr. Katy Tam, the more we skip between videos, the less engaged we become. This search for something "more interesting" leads to a greater sense of boredom, not only during video browsing but also in other activities. The constant search for more excitement creates a higher threshold for stimulation in your life in general, making everything else seem dull in comparison. So, next time you’re tempted to fast-forward, it might be better to just sit back and enjoy.

Action!

• Resist the urge to skip or switch between videos frequently. Instead, focus on watching one video at a time (or better yet, search for something specific instead of scrolling) to maintain attention and enjoy the content and other things in life more deeply and easily.

Sorry, You Need a Neck Fan
Saahil Desai

Lights, Camera, ...
This summer, neck fans have quietly become the must-have accessory for surviving the heat. Sure, they may look ridiculous, like a cross between headphones and a travel pillow, but they offer a cool breeze when temperatures soar. Despite the awkward appearance, they’re popping up everywhere—from grocery stores to the Olympics. Affordable, rechargeable, and simple, they’ve gained surprising popularity, offering personal relief in our overheated world. While they might not actually lower body temperature, the comfort they provide has people hooked, making it likely that neck fans will soon be as common as flip-flops on a hot day.

Action!

• Consider getting a neck fan for relief during extreme heat, as it's an affordable, portable, and effective way to stay comfortable in hot weather. (Recommendation below)

Levels of Thinking: How to Make Better Decisions with Second-Level Thinking
Anne-Laure Le Cunff

Lights, Camera, ...
Ever wonder why a seemingly smart decision backfires? It’s often because we only scratch the surface with first-level thinking—like choosing a job solely for its salary or a cheap apartment without considering the long commute. This quick, superficial approach ignores the deeper, long-term consequences of our choices. Second-level thinking, on the other hand, digs deeper: it evaluates the hidden costs and long-term impacts. Ask yourself: What are the likely future outcomes? How do they compare to the consensus? And how will I feel about this decision in the long run? By moving beyond immediate benefits and considering the ripple effects, you can make choices that lead to better outcomes and avoid the pitfalls of first-level thinking.

Action!

1. Ask yourself the following questions when making (important) decisions:

   1. What is the range of likely future outcomes?

   2. Which outcome do I think will occur?

   3. What is the probability I’m right?

   4. What does the consensus think?

   5. How does my prediction differ from the consensus?

   6. How does the current situation align with the consensus view of the future, and with mine?

   7. What will happen if the consensus turns out to be right, and what if I’m right?

2. Ask yourself the following questions for personal decisions when the consensus (what other people think) is less relevant:

   1. How will I feel about it 10 minutes from now?

   2. How will I feel about it 10 days from now?

   3. How will I feel about it 10 months from now?

TOOL TIP

Gulaki Neck Fan: A very affordable yet effective and reliable personal neck fan to keep you cool. (Check out the “Body” section above for more details on neck fans.)

FUN FACT

Stock traders given testosterone created more price bubbles and market volatility than those given a placebo. You shouldn’t trust hormonal men, it seems.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not liable for any risks or issues that may arise from using this information.