SUPERBETTER 

Jane McGonigal (2015). Superbetter: 

                                        A Revolutionary Approach To Getting                                               Stronger, Happier, Braver, and More                                                   Resilient.


McGonigal (PhD) spent 5 years researching and writing Superbetter...the gamification of life...grounded in her personal story of overcoming a severe concussion through gaming. 


The general sequence of applying the principles of gaming to life is:

1. discover a challenge (note the difference between a problem and a challenge mindset)

2. collect and active power ups (good things that make you happy)

3. list and battle bad guys that get in the way of your challenge (okay to fail and try again, seeing failure as a learning opportunity)

4. create quests (simple daily activities that move toward a larger goal)

5. recruit allies to help you along the way (e.g., they can create quests for you, find more power ups...)

6. adopt a secret identity that highlights the strengths you need

7. go for an epic win (an awe inspiring outcome that is just beyond your reach)


throughout this process, RESILIENCE is being built....physical, mental, emotional, and social (wish she would add "spiritual").


virtually, all of the prescriptions are backed by research that is described and documented...this is a definite plus for those interested in the science of gamification.


a simple way to practice is to build some resilience in the next few minutes by:

1. clenching your fists overhead for 5 seconds (physical resilience)

2. snapping your fingers 50 times (mental resilience--perseverance)

3. look outside for 30 seconds (emotional resilience)

4. send a thank you to someone via text, email, phone, or in person (social resilience)


for those that want to gamify their life to overcome a challenge, i highly recommend the book.





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