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gwern comments on Group rationality diary, 7/9/12 - Less Wrong Discussion

3 Post author: cata 10 July 2012 08:35AM

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Comment author: gwern 24 July 2012 02:44:10PM *  3 points [-]

When I was reading the remote researcher submissions on the psychology of habit formation, I noted that trying to form a habit after a disruptive life-change like moving somewhere was considered one of the best times to do so by the researchers. I merely noted it down for later thought since I wasn't planning to move anywhere.

Unexpectedly, I moved down to Maryland a few weeks ago, and my dentist the day before the move strongly urged me (on account of various worrisome regions on my teeth) to start brushing twice a day, flossing, and using fluoride mouthwash. I can't do that! I thought, especially with the chaos and disruption of a move! But I decided to give it a try anyway - since it matched the literature recommendations exactly. And I've managed to do all 3 every day since.

Who knew that sometimes psychology could be right and practical?