Saying Yes when we don’t want to

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Saying Yes when we dont want to. Based on the book by Dr Robert Cialdini - visually Simplified by Benjamin thomas

Maybe you tipped extra because the waiter complimented you, overpaid for a โ€œlimited editionโ€ item, or went along with the crowd even though you had doubts. These moments arenโ€™t coincidencesโ€”theyโ€™re the result of powerful psychological triggers that influence our decisions, often without us realizing it.

In his book: โ€œInfluence: The Psychology of Persuasionโ€, Dr. Robert Cialdini uncovered six principles that explain why we comply:

1. Reciprocation: People feel obligated to return favors, even if unsolicited.

2. Commitment and Consistency: We strive to stay consistent with our past commitments, even if they no longer make sense. Even a small “yes” today can lead to a much bigger “yes” tomorrow.

3. Social Proof: We look to others for cues on how to behave, especially in uncertain situations. If everyone else is doing it, we assume it must be right.

4. Liking: Weโ€™re more likely to say โ€œyesโ€ to people we like. Physical attractiveness, shared similarities, and even flatteryโ€”genuine or notโ€”can make us more compliant.

5. Authority: We obey figures of authority, often without question. A title, uniform, or even a confident demeanor can make someoneโ€™s influence irresistible.

6. Scarcity: We want what we canโ€™t have. Limited-time offers and scarcity tactics create urgency, making us act before we think.

We often comply without thinkingโ€”based on pre-programmed psychological triggers.

Even knowing these tricks doesnโ€™t make you immune. We are all wired to respond automatically to these triggers

Understanding why we say โ€œyesโ€ can help us make better choicesโ€”so that the next time someone hands you a free flower, youโ€™ll know exactly whatโ€™s coming next.


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