I’ve been reflecting on how this project started back in 2007 and, in context, what a remarkable and extraordinary year 2023 turned out to be: The Fun Habit, Morvan syndrome, all the highs, all the lows—I’ve spilled it all in previous newsletters, so no need to bore you with a 2023 recap. Looking back at 2007 though, this all started by “signing up” 500 family and friends with a request to follow along and keep me accountable. Now, with an audience of over 200,000 strong, it’s become evident it’s time to switch things up a bit.
As we head into 2024, my commitment to the project has nine years remaining. The original framework of this commitment (each quarter) is to conduct two interviews (to learn), engage in at least one exciting life experience (to live), and serve and/or contribute to others in some meaningful way (to show love). So far, this framework has worked great. So, accordingly, I plan to keep the scaffolding in place. But it’s also time for the personal aspect of my journey to take a back seat. I’m not the important part of this story.
That said, I’m so grateful for all of you showing up—from the OG friends who have stuck with me since 2007 (keeping me accountable) to those who have provided support along the way—you all have made things so much fun! As I alluded to last quarter, however, it is time to ask some bigger questions and adjust the approach.
As we advance into the New Year, I will update the newsletter format to place greater emphasis on the interviews and helpful content, while reducing the focus of other aspects. The goal is to maximize the impact this project can have while maintaining its original intent. Also, changing with the times, I plan to begin posting the recorded interviews somehow (TBD). There’s an argument to be made that listening to interviews has become preferable to reading them as long-form written content. My experiment with this started this quarter by privately posting the recording of my interview with Ashok Gupta. This quarter, I talked to Ashok (founder of the Gupta Program) about how reconnecting with joy isn’t just about having more fun, but is actually helping people successfully emerge from chronic conditions. You can view our recorded interview here (or access the readable version below).
The other interview this quarter is with Dr. Tyler VanderWeele, who is the director of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. Dr. VanderWeele and I discuss the reality that although there’s a plethora of information about the grit one purportedly needs to thrive (despite one’s circumstances), we should be equally focusing on creating environments that support the well-being of ourselves and others (irrespective of one’s circumstance).
Both conversations resulted in some really insightful takeaways. I hope you find them as helpful as I did (no matter how you choose to consume them).
Dr. Tyler VanderWeele is a distinguished figure in epidemiology, biostatistics, and the study of human flourishing. He serves as the director of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. His research encompasses a wide range of topics, including epidemiology, the science of happiness and flourishing, as well as the study of religion and health. He also writes a monthly blog on topics related to human flourishing for Psychology Today. Our interview about flourishing vs. thriving can be accessed here.
Ashok Gupta has dedicated his career to enhancing the well-being of individuals worldwide. As the founder and CEO of the Gupta Program, he has developed innovative neuroplasticity brain retraining techniques for chronic immune conditions like long COVID-19 and chronic fatigue syndrome. His approach blends mindfulness and scientific insights, aiming to transform the lives of those suffering from these conditions. Our interview about finding joy in the midst of navigating a chronic health condition can be accessed here.
Life Experience: Through a serendipitous invitation, I lucked into spending an amazing two days in Atlanta on a retreat with some of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the States. A few weeks later, on the other side of the US, I had the pleasure of bringing my son along with me on a trip to California. Together, he and I visited Oppenheimer’s Exploratorium in San Francisco. I was starting to feel a bit stuck before these two adventures took place. Both experiences served as a great reminder of the healing nature of connection, as well as the importance of accepting and extending invitations with friends and loved ones when possible.
Contribution: As I look back on the past 16 years of contribution thus far, I’m happy to see there has not been a quarter pass by without some form of giving. However, I also noticed I have some room to ramp things up a bit. To improve in this area, I have gotten involved with an organization called Grapevine, which connects good people like us with one another to create “giving circles.” I have no affiliation with Grapevine other than my commitment as a volunteer. I also realize giving circles isn’t a new concept, but so far, it’s been a great opportunity to think globally, while acting locally. In addition to my volunteer hours and contributions to Grapevine this quarter, I also contributed to Reins of Hope, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Greensboro Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities, and the GoFundMe campaign for the parents of Jonathan Lewis Jr.
So, circling back to the bigger question: How can we make the world more fun? In my work as a behavioral scientist, I’ve seen how our spaces shape our ability to flourish. Whether it’s a workspace that inspires, an alluring wellness sanctuary that keeps you coming back, or areas of your home that nourish the spirit, life is simply better when we exist in pleasurable environments.
And, it’s not just our external environment. It’s about the best ways we can support our internal landscapes, too—how our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs influence our interactions with the world around us. As we continue to find the answers to the question, “How can we make the world more fun?” finding, building, and supporting the environments in which we flourish is undoubtedly one of the keys.
Accordingly, as the revised direction of this project takes shape, expect to receive helpful content that explores how to balance the demands of an increasingly complex world with the need for human connection, how to structure our days for maximum joy and productivity, and how to create spaces that foster our ability to succeed, live well, and (of course) have more fun.
Please continue to share your experiences, challenges, and victories with me as we explore this new territory. My wish for all of us is that in 2024 (and beyond!), we all live a life we love.
Yours in fun,
Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
P.S. As mentioned at the start, I’ve shared many highs and lows with you throughout this project. First, thanks for allowing me to do that! Connection has been the most rewarding aspect of this endeavor. Two, for those of you who supported The Fun Habit’s success, thanks again for making my 2023 so unbelievably enjoyable. Simply put, this ride has been (and continues to be) a ton of fun! Lastly, I would like to apologize publicly for a mishap during the editing process of the first edition of The Fun Habit (one that was my responsibility to catch). It came to my attention that in the first edition, while describing someone else’s research, I left in a derogatory term used in the study to reference people of Inuit origin. I deeply regret this oversight. The Fun Habit is being rereleased as a mass market paperback on January 23, and I’m pleased to report this unfortunate oversight has been corrected in the new edition.
