Become More Likeable with This Psychology Trick

How many times have you heard the phrase “You are what you eat”? The idea behind this now-infamous diet mantra is that in order to be fit and healthy, you have to eat nutritious food. The take-home message? Your actions have direct ramifications for your body and your mind.
Now, consider this spin: “You are what you say.” Fair or not, what you communicate to others can lead others to make assumptions about your character — a concept called spontaneous trait inference.
This psychological phenomenon holds that people are perceived as possessing traits they describe in others. Several experiments have shown that people can associate traits with others mindlessly without logical rationale.
Think of it this way: the more you talk about a certain trait — even if you’re describing another person and not yourself — the more salient and memorable that trait becomes in the other person’s mind. Through an associative process in the brain, they start to think of you coupled with that trait (kind of like when you hear “zebra,” you may think “stripes”).
Spontaneous trait inference is crucial to keep in mind at the office for the sake of both your current job and your career prospects. Here’s how to use this concept to boost your reputation, influence and become exceptionally more likable in the process:
No Gossip — No Exceptions
As if you needed another reason to keep the chitchat in check, spontaneous trait inference means that eve...

Source: World of Psychology - May 19, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Melody Wilding, LMSW Tags: General Personality Source Type: blogs