One Technique to Get What You Need

This week, I bring you information from another article I read. I hope you don’t think this method of illustration too lazy, but it’s a good alternative to several consecutive weeks of tales from the life of John Wriston. Perhaps motivated by my deep interest in psychology, my attention was caught by a piece on ‘The Today Show’ in which a body language expert spoke about various mind tricks. These mind tricks can supposedly be used to “get what you want” in life, work, and romance. The first “trick” involves putting up a picture of one’s dog in the workplace in order to make coworkers presume a high level of loyalty. Maybe it’s because you are dog’s best friend? The next technique requires one to wear an all-black outfit to work and retain a neutral expression to “appear more powerful”. Apparently, just holding a high-temperature liquid causes one to assume you are more likable. Well, I suppose you are definitely more likable holding a hot liquid than tossing it in someone’s face. Libraries and car dealerships report higher levels of customer satisfaction when their employees “imperceptibly touch their clients”. I don’t know about you, but I am going to be a lot more attentive and wary when checking out a copy of “War and Peace”. Did you know you could make friends just by imitating someone? Previously thought to be incredibly obnoxious, mirroring behaviors is good!
It’s amazing to discover all of the subtle ways in which an individual can manipulate his or her world. I am often interested to read the biographies of different successful individuals in order to discover how they’ve come so far in life. I want to know what makes them tick so that I can have the same types of success. God has so much more planned for us than what we often realize. But, instead of being told to learn tricks or techniques, we are told to pray. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to avoid anxiety, thank God, and make requests to Him through prayer. James 5:16 tells us to pray in order to be healed. James 1:5 tells us to pray in order to receive wisdom. James 5:13 tells us to pray in times of suffering. While tricks might be helpful, the ultimate satisfaction comes from God. The next time you find yourself in need, find time to pray.