The Betterment Experiment

"We implemented by writing 10 ideas a day in a list every day, and I had a list of soft noises that were soothing".
"Is this appropriate for the podcast?" (5:33)

RECAP:
Hear Rocketbook co-founders give their feedback on testing out 10 Ideas A Day. By forcing themselves to come up with a list of 10 unique ideas each morning, they found themselves feeling more relaxed and having easier access to the creative juices in their brain. However, both Joe and Jake concede that it's not as helpful as they'd hoped and that it might take longer, say 30 days, for this extreme life hack to make a noticeable impact. After sharing their experiences, they suggest trying this exercise with a partner as they suppose some collaboration will enhance the creative stimulation.

SEASON FINALE PREVIEW:
“Most importantly, we've got a brand new way for you to be a part of the Betterment Experiment podcast” - Joe (9:15)

The next episode of the Betterment Experiment podcast will be the Season 1 finale. You might not have even known we were in Season 1, or even that podcasts had seasons. Regardless, in lieu of a debate, Joe and Jake preview all the exciting things to expect in Episode 8: the Season 1 Finale. Subscribe so you don't miss it. 

Related Links 

James Altucher — 10 Ideas’ Founder

Episode Breakdown:

(00:23) -- Intro
(01:18) -- Recap last episode's debate and winning experiment
(1:50) -- Share Findings
(6:26) -- Tips & modifications for 10 Ideas A Day
(07:32) -- Break & Fast Hack
(07:56) -- Preview of Next Episoode (Season 1 Finale)
(09:34) -- Subscribe, Rate, and Review
(10:19) -- Outro

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All of these extreme experiments can be quite taxing on our hosts' lives, so The Betterment Experiment is taking a few weeks off to celebrate the holidays and the New Year.

But don't worry, the new year has got Joe and Jake inspired to take it up a notch for 2020! So expect some extra wild life-hacks when we return in a few weeks and subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.

In the meantime, we wish you a productive start to the New Year!

"I feel stronger about my ability to control my habits in every direction because I was able to control my appetite…if I can do this I can do anything" - Joe (8:14)

RECAP:
Listen to Rocketbook co-founders breakdown their weeklong experiment of Intermittent Fasting as a way to take their self-discipline to the next level. They found that not eating for at least 16 hours every day freed up time that had been previously spent preparing meals, eliminated the midday lethargy they typically felt, and improved their self-control in other aspects of their life. Jake explains why it’s the key to a minimalistic life and Joe offers a cautionary tale about Intermittent Fasting with a hangover.

 DEBATE:
“Successful people are generally more optimistic, and this is a way to build up gratitude and optimism in your life, so that will make you more successful.” - Jake (14:34)
 
 The best way to better yourself in any way is to first change the way your brain works. If you want to be more optimistic or more creative or more sympathetic, you have to first rewire your brain. Just like any other muscle in your body, changing your brain takes practice, and so in this episode, Joe and  Jake are pitching different brain exercises.    Listen in as Jake explains how Gratitude Journaling will boost optimism while Joe tells how he’s using 10 Ideas A Day to bolster creativity.  

VOTE | You decide which extreme life hack Joe and Jake will implement into their lives from this episode. Tune in for the next episode where they share their findings, struggles, and experiences.
Vote here

RELATED LINKS

Zero App - Fasting Tracker

James Altucher - 10 Ideas' Founder

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
(00:23) -- Intro
(00:46) -- Recap last episode's debate and winning experiment
(2:09) -- Share Findings
(8:51) -- Tips & modifications for Intermittent Fasting
(11:12) -- Listener-submitted question
(12:29) -- Break
(13:00) -- Intro to Debate: Change Your Brain
(13:22) -- "Gratitude Journaling" Pitch
(15:35) -- "10 Ideas A Day" Pitch
(19:52) -- Debate Wrap-Up
(20:15) -- Vote at podcast.GetRocketbook.com
(20:36) -- Subscribe, Rate, and Review
(21:21) -- Outro

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"This is something that's near and dear to my heart. Back when I was single, this is how I found my wife! She was just a stranger working in the Barnes & Noble in Boston." - Joe (2:23)

RECAP:
Listen to Rocketbook co-founders recount their struggles spending a week talking to complete strangers in an effort to improve their interpersonal relationships. After one week, they found talking to strangers was good practice to make them feel more comfortable when meeting people in social situations or at networking events. Joe found the exercise entertaining as he became the "mayor of a bar" and learned how to sneak into a Post Malone concert! Jake, on the other hand, found this episode's experiment to be torture, as it taught him he has a conversational anxiety disorder that he now hopes to address. 

DEBATE:
“Intermittent Fasting is much more than a diet, it's a lifestyle...now tell me about the pee strips!” - Jake (21:15)

Eating habits have a major impact on a person's mental and physical health. Following a regimented eating habit can train your brain to ignore unhealthy urges, help you lose weight, and improve your mood. While it's widely accepted that eating differently can have positive benefits, the best (extreme) eating is still up for debate. Listen in as Jake argues the benefits of Intermittent Fasting while Joe advocates for the Keto Diet.

Vote | You decide which extreme life hack Joe and Jake will implement into their lives from this episode. Tune in for the next episode where they share their findings, struggles, and experiences.
Vote here

Related Links 

The Fine Art of Small Talk - Debra Fine 

How To Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie

Use FORD Method for Better Conversations - Everyday Life

Wherever You Go, There You Are - Book on Meditation by Jonn Kabat-Zinn

Episode Breakdown:
(00:23) -- Intro
(00:45) -- Recap last episode's debate and winning experiment
(1:58) -- Share Findings
(10:15) -- Tips & modifications for Talking to Strangers
(13:47) -- Listener-submitted question
(14:58) -- Break
(15:24) -- Intro to Debate: Strengthen your interpersonal relationships
(15:33) -- "Intermittent Fasting" Pitch
(16:19) -- "Ketogenic Diet" Pitch
(21:26) -- Debate Wrap-Up
(21:59) -- Vote at podcast.GetRocketbook.com
(22:19) -- Subscribe, Rate, and Review
(23:03) -- Outro

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"After just a few days, what you realize is you spend your days in this Netflix fast-forward, and so it gives you a little bit of empathy when you're in a contentious argument or if someone's walking too slow." - Jake (6:26)

RECAP:
Listen to Rocketbook co-founders reflect on their time experimenting with Daily Meditation. By dedicating 30 minutes to meditation every day, they found themselves with less stress, more empathy and a surprising increase in productivity. Additionally, Joe found himself parenting differently and Jake used meditation to separate his home and work life. After sharing their experiences, they offer some tips for any listeners interested in trying out meditation for themselves.

DEBATE:
“You want to do something called 'exposure therapy' to strangers...you're going to get the cops called on you!” - Jake (16:09)

Interpersonal relationships are a major factor for success; they lead to strong social networks and develop the ability to influence people. We aim to find the best way to strengthen these relationships through self-experimentation. Listen in as Joe argues the benefits of talking to strangers while Jake advocates for reaching out to old friends.

Vote | You decide which extreme life hack Joe and Jake will implement into their lives from this episode. Tune in for the next episode where they share their findings, struggles, and experiences.
Vote here

Related Links 

Wherever You Go, There You Are - Book on Meditation by Jonn Kabat-Zinn

Headspace - Meditation Tutorials

Episode Breakdown:
(00:19) -- Intro
(00:41) -- Recap last episode's debate and winning experiment
(1:20) -- Share Findings
(9:29) -- Tips & modifications for Daily Meditation
(11:22) -- Listener-submitted question
(12:20) -- Break
(12:38) -- Intro to Debate: Strengthen your interpersonal relationships
(12:55) -- "Reach Out to Old Friends" Pitch
(14:32) -- "Talk to Strangers" Pitch
(18:21) -- Debate Wrap-Up
(19:39) -- Vote at podcast.GetRocketbook.com
(19:55) -- Subscribe, Rate, and Review
(20:45) -- Outro

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"I was missing a method for going through my inbox. Inbox Zero completely eliminated the chaos that was giving me anxiety and causing me inefficiency in my workday"

RECAP:
Listen to Jake and Joe reflect on their time experimenting with Inbox Zero. By diligently monitoring their email inbox, they found themselves with less stress, more time and starting to relentlessly block spam emails. Additionally, Joe started sending his emails on a delay and Jake decided to declare complete email bankruptcy. After sharing their experiences, they offer a modified version of Inbox Zero for our listeners to try out for themselves.

DEBATE:
“Meditating sounds like a 15-minute nap, how do you get any work done?”

Stress can infect your brain and ruin your daily productivity and your mental well-being. We aim to reduce stress and keep you at peak productivity throughout the workday. Listen in as Jake argues the benefits of morning exercise while Joe advocates for daily meditation.

Vote | You decide which email life hack Joe and Jake will implement into their lives from this episode. Tune in for the next episode where they share their findings, struggles, and experiences.
Vote here

Related Links:
Delay Your Emails with Boomerang - Boomerang For Gmail
Email Bankruptcy - Popular Science
How To Block/Unsubscribe from Emails - Gmail Help

Episode Breakdown:
(00:23) -- Intro
(00:53) -- Recap last episode's debate and winning experiment
(2:14) -- Share Findings
(3:57) -- A more realistic way to implement Inbox Zero
(11:30) -- Break
(11:48) -- Intro to Debate: Stress Relief Technique
(12:10) -- Morning Exercise Pitch
(13:30) -- Daily Meditation Pitch 
(17:10) -- Debate Wrap-Up
(18:00) -- Vote at vote.GetRocketbook.com
(18:21) -- Subscribe, Rate, and Review

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"Instead of popping in my headphones to distract myself, my aspirations, my regrets...vhroom! They were all in my face."

Listen to Jake and Joe reflect on their time experimenting with Everday Unplugging. By decluttering their minds, they found themselves getting more done, making personal connections, and even eating healthier. On the other hand, Jake almost left his son at soccer practice and Joe still has week-old dirty laundry in his car. After sharing their experiences, they offer a more realistic version of Everyday Unplugging for our listeners to test out.

DEBATE:
“You're using your inbox like a social media feed. You're the CEO of Rocketbook!”

Managing emails incorrectly can destroy your daily productivity. We aim to fix that. Listen in as Jake argues the benefits of obsessively clearing your inbox while Joe advocates for scheduling time to answer emails.

Vote | You decide which email life hack Joe and Jake will implement into their lives from this episode. Tune in for the next episode where they share their findings, struggles, and experiences.
Vote here


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More About Rocketbook
Our Website

Submit a Question | Suggest a Topic
Email us at: [email protected]
 

“I think you’re treating the symptom, and not the cause of your lack of focus”.

The ability to focus is a vital component of daily productivity. Listen as Jake argues the benefits of unplugging from your smartphone while Joe suggests the Pomodoro Method: using an egg timer to schedule your day into 25-min chunks.

Vote | You decide which life hack Joe and Jake will implement into their lives from this episode. Tune in for the next episode where they share their findings, struggles, and experiences.
Vote here


Episode Breakdown
(00:00) — Intro
(00:44) — Everyday Unplugging
(01:09) — Pomodoro Method
(01:45) — Discussion
(08:06) — Debate
(13:35) — Summary of focus techniques
(13:47) — Vote on winner at votegetrocketbook.com
(14:28) — Outro

Related Links
The Importance of Breaks at Work — Psychology Today
Why Smartphones Limit Productivity — Business Insider
How To Set Screen Time Limits — Mac Rumors
Web-Based Pomodoro Timer — Google Chrome Extension
Best Apps for Limiting Screen Time — Digital Trends

Follow Us
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Listen
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More About Rocketbook
Our Website

Submit a Question | Suggest a Topic
Email us at: [email protected]

A trailer for the only podcast that's improving yourself at our expense. 

Join us as Rocketbook co-founders, Joe and Jake, test out extreme paths to self-improvement and share their results. Welcome to...The Betterment Experiment!

After starting multiple companies, appearing on Shark Tank, and creating Amazon best-sellers, Joe and Jake are successful entrepreneurs who are always looking to improve efficiency and push boundaries. Now they're continuing that mission by testing out ways to better yourself, on themselves!

Tune in each episode as they discuss their experiments with extreme life hacks: what worked, what sucked, and which ones they recommend: from ditching your smartphone to extreme sleep patterns, they're experimenting with every possible method for self-improvement the world as to offer. 

So at the expense of their families, their company, and their sanity, they're doing the work and passing the findings onto you. Enjoy!

vote.getrocketbook.com