From TIME · Angela Haupt · · 50s
Shrink Plans, Not Cancel
Small social plans boost connection without exhaustion.
In brief
Small social plans boost connection without exhaustion. Shrinking social plans helps people stay connected without overwhelming energy demands. Originally reported by TIME.
Quick answers
- Why shrink plans?
- Shrinking social plans helps people stay connected without overwhelming energy demands.
- Why shrink?
- Shrinking plans helps you follow through when you’d otherwise cancel.
- What next?
- Shrinking plans helps you stay connected without exhaustion.
- What is the key takeaway from Shrink Plans, Not Cancel?
- Shrinking social plans helps people stay connected without overwhelming energy demands.
Why shrink plans?
Shrinking social plans helps people stay connected without overwhelming energy demands.
“Let’s identify what’s hard about this and solve that problem so we can still get the connection we need”
Psychologists explain
Shrinking plans reduces energy needed for socializing while keeping connections strong.
“The goal is just to get together”
Time vs energy
Time and energy are separate resources for social connections.
“Spending time with a close friend can require less effort because there’s less pressure to present a polished version of yourself”
Why shrink?
Shrinking plans helps you follow through when you’d otherwise cancel.
“The next time you feel stretched thin, you’ll be more inclined to do it again”
Find what’s hard
Identify what makes a plan feel overwhelming to shrink it.
“Is it the commute to get there? Is it the cost? Is it the cleaning and cooking you would have to do if you were hosting?”
Change plans smoothly
Ask friends to adjust plans without feeling rejected.
“These are your friends and they love you. So they’ll meet you where you are, typically”
Make it easy
Suggest simple ways to get together without preparation.
“You can order pizza and leave the mess where it is”
What next?
Shrinking plans helps you stay connected without exhaustion.
“It doesn’t have to be some version of perfect. It should just be staying in each other’s lives and connecting in those moments”
The key point
Shrinking social plans helps people stay connected without overwhelming energy demands.
