5 arbitrary but useful shortcuts

Some of these may seem like voodoo, but all happen to be based in science.

1. Rid yourself of buyer’s remorse by washing your hands. Scientists at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor did a study that found when people washed their hands with soap and water after a decision, they felt justified about their choices and felt increasingly better about their decisions. No harm in trying.

2. Get others to comply with your requests by using the word because.  Having good reasons help, but Robert Cialdini, the godfather of influence, cites a Harvard study asserting that the word ‘because’ itself might increase the likelihood that someone will comply with a small request.

3. Reduce aches and pains by listening to your heart.  30 years of research by the HeartMath instititue have shown that the heart, like the brain, has “intelligence.” Harnessing that intelligence can yield amazing health benefits, even a reduction in physical pain. Try this: shift your attention to the area of your heart and breathe slowly and deeply, activate and sustain a genuine feeling of appreciation or care for someone or something in your life, send these feelings of care toward yourself and others.

4. Lose weight by eating as much as you want (as long as it’s not carbs). ‘Calories in vs. calories out’ isn’t quite right. Gary Taubes suggests we have it backwards: the reason why we’re fat isn’t that we eat too much, we eat too much because we’re fat. The sole culprit: carbs.

BONUS:

5. Find your calling by Getting Wrecked.  My friend Jeff Goins’ new book will change the way you think about purpose. It’s not really a shortcut, but it is a must read for you or perhaps your children. The Kindle version is only $.99 right now.