Articles
for general educational purposes only
The consistency principle: Why you should be cautious agreeing to small requests
We tend to behave consistently with what we have said or done before.
The scarcity principle: Limited availability increases perceived value
We tend to assign more value to things that are perceived as scarce.
Improve your emotional state by changing your focus
Our emotional state is significantly affected, for better or worse, by what we focus on.
The fundamental attribution error: Underestimating the power of circumstances
When explaining the behaviour of others, we tend to overestimate the role of personality traits and underestimate the role of environmental influences.
Present bias: The present self trumps the future self
We tend to prefer immediate rewards at the expense of future rewards.
The authority principle: The dangers of blindly trusting authority figures
We tend to comply with requests from people in positions of authority.
The social proof principle: The influence of others on our choices
We tend to look at the actions or beliefs of others to determine what is appropriate.
The liking principle: Increasing influence through likeability
We tend to be more easily persuaded by people we like.
The reciprocity principle: Understanding the power of gifts and favours
We have a strong tendency to feel obligated to reciprocate favours received.
The contrast principle: Comparative orders magnify perceived differences
Our perception of things is significantly influenced by the context in which they are presented.
Habits: Harnessing the power of repeated small changes
How to build and break habits to become the type of person you want to be.
Habits: Periodically review your habits
Review your habits periodically to ensure they help you become the type of person you want to be.
Habits: Make behaviour satisfying or unsatisfying
We tend to repeat behaviours that are immediately satisfying and avoid behaviours that are not.
Habits: Make behaviour easy or difficult
The easier it is to perform a habit, the more likely you are to do it.
Habits: Make behaviour attractive or unattractive
The expectation of a satisfying outcome motivates us to act.
Habits: Make the cue obvious or invisible
Every habit is activated by noticing the relevant cue.
Habits: Build desired habits and break unwanted habits
Make it obvious, attractive, easy and satisfying; or invisible, unattractive, difficult and unsatisfying.
Habits: Determine which habits you want to build or break
Determine which habits can help you become the type of person you want to be.
Habits: Become aware of your daily habits
Create a habits scorecard to increase your awareness of your daily habits.
Habits: Determine the type of person you want to be
Build identity-based habits by focusing on the type of person you want to be.