Can Imagining Someone Exercise Self-Control Boost Your Self-Control?

Do you know anyone who seems to have an endless supply of self-control and hope that you can borrow some of that? You don’t have to be envious anymore—in fact, you can even take full advantage of that. According to one study, you can become infected with someone’s self-control simply by visualising or imagining that person exercising self-control. The authors found that ‘merely perceiving someone use self-control can improve one’s self-reported self-control ability and reduce one’s feelings of fatigue’.

Reduce Procrastination With One Statement

‘I have to finish something big and important and do it perfectly while working hard for long periods of time without time to play.’ Does this sound familiar? If yes, you probably procrastinate to some extent.

Social Equality Promotes Gender Stereotypes?

Research has found that social equality could be detrimental to girls’ maths performance. This is because social equality promotes comparison between genders, which then encourages us to adopt gender stereotypes like ‘girls are bad at maths’. So beware of the effects of gender stereotypes if you live in an extremely egalitarian society. In fact, you can even counter the effects of negative stereotypes. 

How To Tell Whether A Person Is Moral Instantly

How can you find out whether a person’s character is flawed? Look at how fast that person makes immoral or moral decisions.

Attentional Control Is Key To Great Public-Speaking

Does the very thought of public-speaking send a shiver down your spine? Research has found that if you can better control your attention during your speech, your overall performance will not suffer despite all the butterflies running amok in your stomach.

Why Saints Commit Sins And Sinners Act Saintly

Feeling great because you’ve just acted morally? Don’t celebrate too soon. Research has found that when you feel that you’ve been extremely nice or ethical, you’ll probably grant yourself the permission to behave badly later.

Thinking About Money Boosts Willpower

Money is the root of all evil? Not exactly, since having lots of it can provide a greater sense of control. Besides, research has found that this feeling of self-sufficiency actually translates to more self-control. Fortunately, if you don’t have real cash, you can still elicit that effect by thinking about money-related stuff, which is similar to how religious thoughts can boost willpower. Mark Twain was right—the lack of money is the root of all evil—without money, you probably will lack willpower.

Successful People’s Struggles Can Motivate You

What do Galileo, Newton, and Einstein have in common? No, not that they were brilliant scientists with ridiculously long lists of achievements. If you are a struggling physics student, this fact will probably discourage you further. However, research has shown that if you focus on another commonality among them—that they have struggled to make important discoveries—you will soon realise that even geniuses work hard and will eventually understand their previously impenetrable theories. So, start reading biographies and learn how your heroes have struggled.

Why What You Wear Matters So Much

Want to be more meticulous instantly? Slip on a lab coat. Research has found that what you wear can have subtle effects on how you think and behave. Lab coats are often associated with scientists and doctors who are noted for their attentiveness and carefulness, and putting on such a coat will almost magically endow you with these positive qualities. Next time, beware of what you wear and the positive or negative attributes associated with your clothes—don’t try to study for a test in your pyjamas.

Travelling In The Same Direction Increases Liking

Not too satisfied with your relationship with your spouse? The direction of travel when commuting to work could be the culprit. Research has found that couples were more satisfied with their relationship when they travelled to work in the same direction, and this was regardless of whether they left for work at the same time. So consider this when buying a house with your partner in the future.