Teach Your Kids to Resist the Urge . . .

Why is Facebook worth billions and you’re not?

Today’s post is based on a study by Harvard psychologists Diana I. Tamir and Jason P. Mitchell.

A study by two Harvard psychologists uncovered a proven way to make a bundle, raise smart kids and have great friends.

My dog Tanner listens!

People like to express opinions. They like to talk about themselves. You already know that. Why? Because you want to, too. What you probably don’t know is the strength of the urge. It’s biological. We’re wired that way.

A part of your neurology (the mesolimbic dopamine system) gives you a feeling of pleasure when you eat good food, make lots of money, or see a good looking member of the opposite sex.

Talking about “you” stimulates your brain in the same way. It’s a dopamine-like reaction. You feel great, as with sex or chocolate.

According to Harvard psychologists Tamir and Mitchell, you will readily sacrifice big $$ to talk about your feelings rather than listening to me talk about mine (can’t blame you there).

Five experiments were conducted. Participants were paid for their time. They were given the option to talk about their experiences, or listen to others talk about theirs.

People were willing to earn 17%-25% less to talk about themselves.

Our kids need to know this. From early in life, they are wired to talk about their feelings. Instead, they need to resist this urge and discipline themselves to keep quiet and listen to others.

Kids of all ages can excel in many ways if they understand this science. It can be leveraged to build relationships, careers and businesses.

Facebook. Twitter. LinkedIn. Pinterest. Thousands more. Companies succeed solely on this principle. They provide a venue for people to express themselves in multiple ways. More will evolve.

Share this powerful message with those who matter to you. They need to understand the science behind why being a listener — on the phone, online, in business, and in person is such a powerful thing.