HowtoGiveDirection.mp3 - powered by Happy Scribe

You're listening to the MentalNotes podcast. In this edition, founder Scott Dow explains how to give direction.

I need you to keep listening because I'm about to share something really important. Now I just gave you a direction and used a magic word, a word that research has proven to have powerful psychological effects. Can you pick it out?

Listen again. I need you to keep listening because I'm about to share something really important. The word, it's because. The word because triggers the mind to act. Just make your request, insert the word because then state a simple reason.

Here's why the technique works. Most human behavior runs on autopilot. All the brain needs is a reason to act. And the word because signals that there's an actual reason behind your request. It's an automatic message to the brain.

Here's what it might sound like. Would you mind submitting your forecast early? Because I'm going to be on vacation.

Now here's an easy way to practice. Take a post-it note. Write the word because on it and stick it on your computer. Each time you use the technique, make a little tick mark on the post-it note. Once you get to about a dozen tick marks, you should be good to go.