Trick your brain to become successful with these 7 simple psychological laws

Your brain can achieve anything you desire. Yes, that’s right. Your brain is more powerful than you think. But then why isn’t everyone successful?
If we all have brains, shouldn’t we all be crushing our goals, living our dream lives? The truth is: It’s not about how powerful your brain is. It’s about whether you know how to use it. Here are 7 cheat codes based on psychological laws to rewire your brain and become the finest version of yourselves, who is, of course, successful!
Zeigarnik effect

Unfinished tasks will haunt you. Your brain despises loose ends. The Zeigarnik Effect explains why incomplete tasks linger in your mind, which will create mental tension until they are done. Use this to your advantage. Set aside just two minutes, whether it’s writing, exercising, or studying. Once you begin, momentum will kick in. Every small step will lead you closer to the goal.

Parkinson’s law

Work expands to fill the time you give it. Ever wondered how a task takes exactly as long as the time you’ve allotted? Parkinson’s law states that work expands to fill the time available. For instance, if you allot a day to tidy up your house, it will consume an entire day. Whereas if you only set aside two hours, you will be able to finish it by then. To boost efficiency, set tight deadlines. Your brain adapts to deadlines, real or fake.
Premack principle

Pair boring work with rewards. Yes, that’s right. Your brain craves instant gratification. This is exactly why scrolling social media feels better than getting tough tasks done. The Premack Principle suggests pairing undesirable tasks with rewards to make them more appealing. Want to Netflix and chill? Complete that leg workout for the day and enjoy the reward. These conditions cause your brain to associate effort with pleasure.
Activation energy

Starting is the hardest part. Big dreams are impressive until you actually start to work towards them. Starting something is simply the toughest part. The concept of activation energy explains that once you overcome the initial resistance, the task becomes easier. So the trick here is to lower the barrier to entry. If you want to begin your fitness journey, start by just putting on your workout clothes. If you need to write, open a blank document. Small actions reduce the overwhelm that is often linked with new beginnings. Focus on the tiniest first step. Make it so easy you can’t say no
Commitment effect

Public goals drive action. Your brain hates looking inconsistent. The Commitment effect says that when you share your goals publicly, you feel internal pressure to follow through to avoid embarrassment. Tell friends, family, or colleagues about your plans. Accountability turns intentions into reality. Maybe post your goals on social media or join a group with similar ambitions to stay motivated.

Endowed progress effect

Progress fuels motivation. Your brain thrives on progress. The endowed progress effect says that the closer you get to a goal, the harder you work to achieve it. To crack this code, track your progress visually. Use checklists, habit trackers, or apps to mark each step forward. When you see the progress, it will fuel motivation.

Goldilocks rule
Find the sweet spot of challenge. Easy tasks will quickly bore you, while those that are too hard overwhelm you. The Goldilocks rule states that your brain performs best when tasks are just challenging enough, pushing you slightly beyond your comfort zone. To achieve your goals, break them into smaller, manageable steps. Make them challenging, but doable.