“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” -Abraham Lincoln
The First Sip
Did you know that there’s an organization called the Happiness Research Institute?
(I mean, who wouldn’t want to work there?)
And they recently unveiled a new project:
Yeah…a museum dedicated to HAPPY things!
I’m ALL about that.
Located in Denmark, the Happiness Museum’s objective is to create a place where people are able to experience happiness from different perspectives.
As the Institute’s CEO Meik Wiking says, “We might be Danish or Mexican or American or Chinese, but we are first and foremost people…”
“…It’s the same things that drive happiness no matter where we’re from, and I hope that people will see that in the exhibition.”
I’m curious to know…what makes you happiest?
For me, it’s family, animals, experiences, helping other people…
Whatever it is for you, I encourage you to go out and do more of it.
It’ll make you a healthier person and a better advisor…guaranteed.
1 Caffeinated Neurohack
If you were with me on the Virtual Advisor Power Hour this past week, I mentioned how much I love waking up and popping on bluetooth headphones.
(I even gave a pair away to advisor Mike D. in Missouri!)
As you guys know, I’m a big believer in hacking my mind and body to operate at peak performance.
And research shows that you can actually boost productivity, focus, and creativity by listening to music while you work.
But not just any music will do.
You need something that’s going to maximize the release of serotonin and dopamine into your brain.
According to a study conducted by Dr. Emma Gray and Spoitfy, tunes with 50 to 80 beats per minute are shown to spark creativity and increase alpha brain waves activity (which is associated with having “eureka moments”).
A separate study shows that classical tunes from guys like Bach or Vivaldi have a noticeable impact on concentration and productivity.
Have some mindless work you need to get done – like manual data entry? This study says upbeat songs in a major key will boost your productivity far more than songs in minor keys.
So go ahead…blast “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”….or let your ears indulge a little Beethoven.
You’ll do better work (and in record time)!
I love stories like these.
They remind me that the world isn’t as big or divided as we think.
So here’s to more humanity and kindness in the coming weeks!
Marketing Psychology Quick Hit
Our industry has some pretty atrocious design work.
I don’t say that to be condescending…it’s just the truth.
While most insurance and financial advisors are intelligent and pragmatic – able to see big picture processes, analyze situations, and move towards goals – we aren’t the most creative or artistic bunch 🤣
And it shows in our websites, social profiles, content, landing pages, etc.
One of the bigger problems I notice is designs that are too busy and crowded.
You know…websites that look like:
But I’ve got some good news for you…
You don’t need to make things more complicated than they have to be.
Simple sells.
The Law of Closure – the fifth design principle in the Gestalt Laws – says the human brain is able to perceive a set of individual elements as a cohesive, recognizable pattern.
You don’t just see the following as three curved lines….
…Your brain fills in the blanks and tells you it’s a circle.
In other words, the human brain can make powerful inferences when looking at a design or visual.
So you don’t need to go overboard.
You don’t need to fill up every pixel on your website.
You can take it easy.
Try using more white space, fewer colors, contrast, and simple shapes.
Let your copy breathe.
Your visitors won’t miss anything. (In fact, they’ll get more out of your website, emails, lead magnets, etc.)
Here’s an example of a clean website that does a good job of letting copy breathe and not overwhelming the user experience.
I don’t necessarily think you need to redesign your website this week, but you should start thinking about visual design through a simpler lens.
Your audience will respond in a positive way.
Do This First Thing Monday AM
It’s important to constantly check in with the people you care about…especially in today’s world.
While things might not seem as dire as they did back in March or April, we’re still living in the middle of a lot of uncertainty.
A couple of weeks ago, I encouraged you to make a list of your 10 biggest clients and send them each a personalized text telling them you were thinking about them.
Some of you told me that it was really effective.
Including Cory N. who received contact back from 85% of his clients, calling it a “Great relationship enhancer!!”
This week, I want you to go old school.
Dust off the stationary or letterhead in your desk and put pen to paper.
Write a quick handwritten note to 10 clients that you think might need a pick-me-up.
Tell them you’re thinking about them…
Include a $10 gift card to a local coffee shop…
And sign your name…
Easy, peasy, and thoughtful.
It’ll be the best $100 you spend all week.
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Happy Sunday,
Jeremiah
