Make It a Treat

When’s the last time you’ve visited a landmark or major tourist attraction in your city? We tend to devalue things that are easily available. This means that a latte, cocktail, or favorite restaurant, becomes less enjoyable the more frequently you consume it.

By limiting access to your favorite things, you increase pleasure. Instead of drinking a latte every morning, try to limit it to Friday mornings. Want to indulge in a chocolate bar? Divide your treat into small pieces and eat it throughout the day. Want to make Christmas morning more exciting? Wrap a lot of small gifts instead of one large gift.

When it comes to appreciation, sometimes less is more.

Reference

Dunn, Elizabeth & Norton, Michael (2014) Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending