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The Never Ending Pursuit of Self-Care

Writer's pictureIan J Aman

8 Effective Psychological Hacks

I was listening to one podcast that discussed the power of “stop talking.” In the moments, you are in a heated argument or debating about something with a friend, stop talking. It turns out the person on the other side is more likely to assuage or give preference to you. This happened in one instance a friend works with a very demeaning boss. When she presented works to him, she was constantly shot down. In this case, she presented the work and stopped talking. Eventually, the boss later on came to her to agree on the project.



I started to think about what psychological hacks really do work. In some research, here are some tips that seemed to effectively work from real people.


Look At Someone’s Feet To indicate Disinterest If They Are Flirting with You


In a research completed at Wellesley College, 105 heterosexual college students were presented with pictures of people before asking them who they wanted to date. The study found that a person who they desired tended to look at the person’s head or upper body. Guys tended to look at the women’s hip area, biologically wired for reproduction. When people were no interested, they tended to look lower towards their feet.



Hang A Mirror Behind You When Dealing With Customers


This Reddit reader says placing a mirror behind you made angry customers less angry. Why? No one wants to see a horrible customer see themselves. Their behaviors tended to de-escalate easily when they noticed themselves in the mirror. Also, you can move slightly to the side to break the contact to see themselves for that second. IF they still continue to be angry, horrible customers, then kill them with kindness which would make them go crazier.



Sit Next To Your Enemy


When in a group meeting, sit next to the person who may want to stir trouble or has a target on your back. Their behaviors tended to be less hostile when they are in a group and they are unable to use the group to hide. You’ll be able to talk directly with them and their temper substantially lowers.



Look Away When You Catch A Kid Doing Something Bad


A teacher said when she saw a kid doing something they aren’t supposed to do, look away for a few seconds. Call the kid out on it with a loud booming voice. They will think you have awesome powers of observation and tended to stop any negative behaviors around you.


Foot In the Door Phenomenon


Ask a person something simple to do with them and most likely they will agree to do the harder task afterwards. People like to feel helpful so frame in it a way that makes them feel wanted. For example, “I really need your help to move this desk.” Then say “I’m so gracious for your help.” Instead of saying, thanks, it gives the person a feeling of satisfaction.



When A Coworker Talks Gossip on Another Coworker, Complement the Victim


This was one of easiest ways to stop cattiness in the office. I would listen and nod to the gossiper after they finished. Then I would say “Yeah but she also does a good job of meeting her deadlines.” Most likely, the gossiper may not have nothing to say because there’s no negativity behind it. Usually the gossipers, stopped talking to me and I gained a lot of popularity because I completed everyone.



People Remember Not What You Said But How You Made Them Feel


If you ever left your boss’ office with a smile, or had the best customer service after leaving a store, then those people have the power to make you feel good. This is one of the highly charismatic skills to own. First people will more likely come to you time and time again. Second, connect with people, making you highly persuasive. How do you do this? Make them feel special, one-of-kind. Listen a lot and ask meaningful questions.



Interview as the First or the Last.


Interviewers tended to remember the first person or the last person better than those in the middle. Make a great impression and request a morning or late afternoon interview. Then mimic the interviewers non-verbals to make them feel comfortable with you. Be subtle!

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