Lazy, Vain, and Selfish

Scott Belsky nails the psychology of first experiences: "In the first 30 seconds of using a new product, you are lazy, vain, and selfish. You want to get it done super quickly. You want to look good to your colleagues or to your friends. You want to feel successful very quickly."

This is your child being asked to try something new. The new food, the new activity, the new routine. They don't want a tour. They don't want an explanation. They don't want to endure any learning curve whatsoever.

If you can get them through the first 30 seconds - one bite, one try, one moment of success - you have an opportunity to build something lasting. But you have to get them there first.

What does this mean practically? Don't front-load the explanation. Make the first experience feel like an easy win. Let them look good doing it. Then, once they're invested, you can layer in the complexity.

"Sure, try the tiniest bite." Not "This is so good for you and has all these nutrients and..." - they bounced after word three.