The human brain is a marvelous creation of God, capable of incredible memory, creativity, and reasoning. Yet, it has certain limitations that influence how we perceive and respond to information. One of its limitations is that it cannot process and comprehend a negative command. This fascinating aspect of human cognition has significant implications for how we communicate, particularly in teaching, parenting, and personal development.
Human brain’s struggle with negatives
Consider if someone tells you, “Don’t think of a pink elephant” what is the first image that comes to your mind? Obviously, it’s a pink elephant. This whole thing occurs because our brain processes the instruction by visualizing the concept first, before making an attempt to negate it. Consequently, the brain struggles to comply with the command of negation because it has already brought the idea to the forefront of our mind.
This concept has been widely studied in psychology. Studies suggest that when the brain gets a negative command it focuses more on the subject of the command rather than negating it. It means that telling someone not to do something can particularly increase the chance of them doing exactly what you are trying to prevent.
Implications for communication
Understanding this phenomenon of the human brain’s failure to comprehend the negative, can significantly improve our communication. Whether dealing with children, students, employees or even ourselves, phrasing instructions positively can have better outcomes. Let’s see how we can apply this knowledge in different scenarios.
Parenting
Children are particularly affected by this phenomenon. Telling the child “Don’t eat on the bed” often leads to the exact behavior we are trying to avoid. Instead, reframe the command positively, “Please eat at the table”. This not only avoids confusion but also provides clear instructions on what to do.
Teaching
The same goes for the educational context. Teachers can benefit from the power of positive language to direct students. Instead of saying,”Don’t run in the corridor” the teacher might say, “Please walk in the corridor”. This simple shift can help students understand and process information more effectively.
Personal development
Framing objectives positively can enhance performance and motivation. Always frame things positively. Rather than setting a goal like “Don’t procrastinate” opt for a positive version: “Start your work early.” Positive framing of the goal can make the goal feel more achievable and less challenging.
The power of positive reinforcement
Positive language not only helps us avoid negativity but also reinforces desirable behavior. It can be a powerful tool in shaping behavior, both for ourselves and for others.
Here are some tips for utilizing this power:
Use clear and positive instructions
Always be specific and clear when giving instructions or communicating. Ambiguous and non-clear communication can have drastic results. Make sure that the listener completely and clearly understands what you want to say. For instance, instead of telling someone, “Don’t forget to feed the cat,” it’s clearer to say, “Please remember to feed the cat at 6 PM.” This specificity ensures that the message is communicated clearly and reduces the chances of confusion and mistakes.
Focus on the desired behavior
Always highlight the behavior you want to see, not the one you want to avoid. This encourages a positive mindset and makes compliance easier.
Reinforce with rewards
When someone follows positive instruction, especially children and students, reinforce it with positive feedback or rewards. This strengthens the relationship between desired behavior and positive outcomes.
The human brain’s difficulty to process negative commands signifies the importance of positive communication. By emphasizing what we want rather than what we don’t want, we can improve our interactions and achieve better outcomes. Whether in parenting, teaching, or personal development, the power of positive language can have a tremendous impact. So next time you’re tempted to say, “Don’t do that,” consider reframing your message positively. Your brain and everyone else will thank you.
What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments.
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