Just ‘Thinking' About Money Makes You Feel More In Control Of Your Life, Suggests Research
Thinking About Money Improves Self-Confidence, Suggests Study
Sarah O'Meara— The Huffington Post UK
|
Spend your days dreaming of winning the lottery? It's not time wasted.
New research from Bates College in the US suggests merely the 'thought' of money can act on our subconscious to evoke feelings of strength and efficacy.
According to the study, acts of self-control deplete an individual's sense of self (or ego). Essentially your self-control muscle becomes tired due to exertion, explains Psyblog.
Open Image Modal
In a statement, the study's authors say: "In this research, we demonstrate that activating the concept of money can buffer this ego depletion effect."
During two experiments, participants completed an initial task that depleted self-control resources (or not). They were then reminded of money or neutral concepts, and finally, completed a second task requiring self-control.
In both experiments, among depleted participants, those reminded of money performed better on the second self-control task than those reminded of neutral concepts, according to statement.
The research suggests that this buffering effect was due to money reducing both the subjective difficulty and effort required on the second self-control task.
How To Make Great Decisions
How To Be A Great Decision-Maker (01 of06)
Open Image Modal
Top tips from life coach Sophia Davis. (credit:Alamy)
Weigh Up The Pros And Cons(02 of06)
Open Image Modal
"Look at the situation from all angles and make a decision based all on the facts. You will find that doing it this way gives you the highest chance of the best outcome on the basis of everyone and everything involved." (credit:Getty Images)
Become Wise(03 of06)
Open Image Modal
"Remember that every decision will provide you with learning opportunities. Take from them what you need, and use them to your greatest advantage so that you grow spiritually and use it in your future." (credit:Getty Images)
Put Aside The Fear (04 of06)
Open Image Modal
"Understand that there is no such thing as a wrong decision, only a decision that was right for you at the time. On that basis, it doesn't matter what decision you make. If the decision doesn't turn out how you wanted it to, you can always then make another decision." (credit:Getty Images)
Look At The Worst Case Scenario(05 of06)
Open Image Modal
"Remember that even in a worst case scenario, situations can be rectified or managed if they have to be. Life is ever changing, nothing stays the same for long, so on that basis. "What do you really have to lose. Decision making can be as dramatic or easy as you make it. So realise that without 'wrong' decisions, we would never have learnt to crawl as a baby, talk as a toddler, or be blessed with electricity, air travel or phone." (credit:Getty Images)
Never Make A 'Reactive' Decision(06 of06)
Open Image Modal
"If the decision you are making is based on an emotional outburst or driven by emotions, it is likely to be a decision that does not necessarily support you. Try to hold of making any decisions until you are calm and thinking with a clear mind. Try to sit still with the decision you need to make and wait until the answer that feels right to you comes." (credit:Getty Images)