What’s the best psychology trick you know? To uncover the most effective psychological strategies, we delved into over 1,000 Reddit comments, sifting through personal anecdotes, expert opinions, and creative solutions.
Our goal was simple yet ambitious: to identify the best mind tricks that people swear by for enhancing relationships, improving negotiations, and boosting personal well-being. This comprehensive analysis reveals not just popular opinions but also hidden gems that can transform the way you interact with others and understand yourself.
Here are the top 4 psychological tricks you should know:
1. Any illusion of choice works wonders.
Any illusion of choice you can give a kid works wonders. “It’s bedtime, do you want to go potty or brush teeth first?” ; “do you want green beans or corn with your chicken nuggets tonight?” ; “do you want to clean up the books or the puzzles?”
Reddit User: u/StayPony_GoldenBoy
The technique of giving children an illusion of choice works wonders in psychology because it taps into several key principles of human behavior and development. Here’s why it is effective:
Autonomy and Control
Children, like adults, have a fundamental need for autonomy and control over their lives. Providing choices, even within a limited framework, helps satisfy this need. When children feel they have some control over their actions, they are more likely to comply willingly and feel empowered, rather than feeling coerced or controlled.
Reduced Resistance
When given a choice, children are less likely to resist because they are actively involved in the decision-making process. Instead of being told what to do, they feel like they are making their own decisions. This reduces the likelihood of power struggles and oppositional behavior, making routines and transitions smoother.
Engagement and Cooperation
Choices encourage active participation and engagement. By offering options, parents and caregivers can involve children in the process, making them feel valued and heard. This fosters cooperation and can turn potentially contentious situations, like bedtime or mealtime, into collaborative efforts.
Cognitive Development
Providing choices helps children develop decision-making skills. They learn to weigh options, consider consequences, and make decisions. This cognitive process is essential for their overall development and helps build their problem-solving abilities.
Positive Reinforcement
When children make a choice and follow through, they experience a sense of accomplishment and positive reinforcement. This can boost their self-esteem and confidence, reinforcing the behavior and making it more likely they will comply in the future.
Reduced Anxiety
For some children, having clear options can reduce anxiety. Knowing what to expect and having a role in shaping their environment can make routines feel less overwhelming. This is particularly helpful for children who might struggle with transitions or uncertainty.
Practical Examples
- Bedtime Routine: Instead of saying “It’s time for bed,” offering a choice like “Do you want to go potty or brush your teeth first?” allows the child to take ownership of their bedtime routine. This can make the process feel more manageable and less like a forced activity.
- Mealtime Decisions: Asking “Do you want green beans or corn with your chicken nuggets tonight?” provides a structured choice that ensures the child eats vegetables while still feeling like they have a say in what they are eating.
- Cleaning Up: “Do you want to clean up the books or the puzzles?” makes the task of cleaning up less daunting by breaking it into smaller, more manageable decisions. It also gives the child a sense of agency in their environment.
This also Seems to work well with adults.
If you present someone with a limited set of options, usually two or three, instead of asking an open-ended question, you can subtly guide them towards making a decision that aligns more closely with what you want. For example, instead of asking “What do you want to do tonight?”. You can say “Would you like to watch a movie or go out for dinner?”.
Reddit User: u/Human-Independant999
2. Uncomfortable Silences Work Very Well in Negotiations
In a negotiation (e.g. when buying a car) stop talking and let the other party speak. Uncomfortable silences work very well in negotiations.
Reddit User: u/KnightShiningUK
Uncomfortable silences work very well in negotiations for several psychological reasons. Here are the key factors:
Cognitive Pressure
Humans are naturally uncomfortable with silence in conversations. During negotiations, this discomfort can create cognitive pressure on the other party, compelling them to fill the silence. This often results in them revealing more information, offering concessions, or making a move before they intended to, which can be advantageous to the silent negotiator.
Psychological Discomfort
Silence can induce a sense of psychological discomfort and uncertainty. People tend to feel uneasy when there is a lack of communication or response. In negotiations, this discomfort can push the other party to act more quickly or offer more favorable terms to alleviate the tension.
Perceived Power and Confidence
Maintaining silence can project confidence and power. It suggests that the silent negotiator is in control, composed, and not desperate to close the deal. This perception can shift the power dynamic, making the other party more likely to concede or meet demands.
Encouraging Honest Disclosure
Silences can encourage the other party to disclose additional information or clarify their position. In an effort to fill the silence, they might reveal their true needs, constraints, or intentions, which can be critical for crafting a more favorable agreement.
Reflective Thinking Time
Silence provides both parties with the opportunity to think and reflect. This can lead to more considered and rational decision-making, rather than impulsive reactions. For the silent negotiator, it allows time to evaluate offers and develop strategies without pressure.
Avoiding Reactive Statements
By using silence strategically, negotiators can avoid making reactive statements that could weaken their position. It prevents them from speaking hastily or saying something that could be used against them.
Inducing Reciprocity
Silence can sometimes induce a sense of reciprocity. The other party may feel a subconscious need to fill the silence with an offer or compromise, especially if they feel they have been talking too much or dominating the conversation.
Practical Application
- Price Negotiations: During price negotiations, after making an offer, staying silent can pressure the seller to lower their price or offer additional benefits to close the deal.
- Conflict Resolution: In conflict resolution, silence allows the other party to vent or express their concerns fully, often leading to a more genuine and open discussion once the silence is broken.
- Job Interviews: Candidates can use silence after discussing salary expectations to prompt the interviewer to make a more favorable offer or reveal budget constraints.
3. The Psychological Power of Asking for Help
If you work with someone who you have a stressed relationship, ask them to teach you something. Even if you already know it. It’ll help repair the relationship and that person ill never know.
Reddit User: u/furcifurpardalis
When you ask someone to teach you something, even if you already know it, you’re leveraging several powerful psychological principles to improve a strained relationship. Here’s why this technique works so effectively:
Boosts the Other Person’s Ego
By asking someone to teach you something, you validate their knowledge and expertise. This boosts their self-esteem and makes them feel valued and respected. When people feel good about themselves, they are more likely to view the person who made them feel that way (i.e., you) in a positive light.
Creates a Sense of Reciprocity
The act of teaching creates a subtle sense of indebtedness. According to the reciprocity principle in psychology, when someone does something for us, we feel compelled to return the favor. By asking for help, you set up a situation where the other person is more likely to be helpful or cooperative with you in the future.
Builds Rapport and Connection
Teaching and learning together create shared experiences, which are fundamental for building rapport and connection. This shared activity can serve as common ground, reducing tension and fostering a more collaborative and positive relationship.
Encourages Empathy and Understanding
When someone takes the time to teach you, they naturally try to see things from your perspective to explain the concept better. This process encourages empathy and understanding, making the other person more likely to appreciate your point of view in future interactions.
Demonstrates Humility and Respect
Asking someone to teach you something, especially if you already know it, shows humility. It demonstrates that you respect their knowledge and are willing to learn from them. This humility can soften the other person’s stance and make them more open to collaboration and dialogue.
Reduces Perceived Threat
In a stressed relationship, individuals often perceive each other as threats. By asking for help, you position yourself as non-threatening and cooperative. This can reduce defensiveness and hostility, paving the way for more amicable interactions.
Breaks Down Barriers
Engaging in the learning-teaching process helps to break down emotional and social barriers. It shifts the focus from conflict to cooperation, from competition to mutual support. This shift can significantly alter the dynamics of a strained relationship.
Promotes Positive Interaction Patterns
Consistent positive interactions, such as teaching and learning, create a pattern of constructive behavior. Over time, these positive interactions can override previous negative experiences, leading to a more harmonious relationship.
Practical Examples
- Workplace Dynamics: If you have a tense relationship with a colleague, asking them to teach you a skill or share knowledge on a project can turn adversarial interactions into collaborative ones. It can transform your dynamic from competitors to allies.
- Personal Relationships: In personal relationships, asking for help or advice on something the other person is passionate about can foster connection and rebuild trust. It shows that you value their input and expertise.
4. You Don’t Have to Answer Every Question
Just because someone asks you a question, it doesn’t mean they get to decide what sort of answers they can get. If you’re asked about a complicated topic, it’s ok to say “i don’t think I have enough information” or “I think I need to think about it better for an answer” if you don’t feel comfortable answering
Reddit User: u/MadKeepz
In the realm of psychology, the principle that you are not obligated to provide a specific type of answer just because someone asks you a question is both empowering and protective. Here’s why this approach is effective and important:
Maintains Personal Boundaries
Saying “I don’t think I have enough information” or “I need to think about it” helps maintain personal boundaries. This is crucial for psychological well-being as it prevents you from being pressured into giving a response that you are not ready or willing to give. Establishing and maintaining boundaries is key to healthy interpersonal relationships.
Reduces Cognitive Load
When faced with a complex question, admitting that you need more time or information reduces cognitive load and stress. This approach allows you to process information at your own pace, leading to more thoughtful and accurate responses, rather than rushed or ill-considered ones.
Prevents Misinformation
By acknowledging your limitations, you avoid spreading misinformation or making errors. This is particularly important in professional and academic settings where accuracy is paramount. It shows integrity and a commitment to providing reliable information.
Demonstrates Self-Awareness and Honesty
Admitting when you don’t know something or need more time to think shows self-awareness and honesty. These traits are highly valued in personal and professional contexts, as they build trust and respect. People are more likely to value your opinions and answers when they know you speak with integrity.
Empowers Critical Thinking
Taking the time to think about a question or seek more information encourages critical thinking. It promotes a deeper understanding of the topic and prevents knee-jerk reactions. This approach fosters a more analytical and reflective mindset, which is beneficial for personal growth and decision-making.
Manages Expectations
By setting clear expectations about your need for more information or time, you manage the expectations of the person asking the question. This can prevent misunderstandings and frustration, leading to more constructive and respectful interactions.
Reduces Pressure and Anxiety
Responding with “I need to think about it” or similar phrases reduces the pressure to provide an immediate answer. This is especially beneficial in high-stress situations, where the pressure to respond quickly can lead to anxiety and suboptimal answers.
Promotes Accurate and Thoughtful Communication
Taking the time to think through your response ensures that your communication is more accurate and thoughtful. This is crucial in maintaining effective and meaningful dialogue, whether in personal conversations or professional discussions.
Practical Applications
- Workplace: In professional settings, if a colleague or supervisor asks for your opinion on a complex issue, it’s perfectly acceptable to request more time to gather information and consider your response. This can lead to more informed and valuable contributions.
- Personal Relationships: In personal interactions, taking time to think before answering can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. It allows you to provide more thoughtful and considerate responses, which can strengthen relationships.
Conclusion
By integrating these mind tricks into your daily life, you can improve your relationships, sharpen your negotiation skills, and boost your overall well-being. The collective wisdom of the Reddit community offers a unique and practical perspective on the nuances of human psychology, making these tips not only effective but also relatable.
