Mom might actually be happier with a shorter-lived gift card, new social-science research suggests, because she’d be more likely to use it. Paradoxically, people don’t put off only unpleasant tasks like doing taxes or cleaning out the garage. They also procrastinate on enjoyable experiences like going to the spa. Tight deadlines can force people not only to get work done (or to make that Mother’s Day phone call) but to have fun as well. (via The Gift-Card Economy - The Atlantic (May 2009) )
sometimes it’s amazing to me how simple structures dictate and touch so many parts of our lives.
