What psychology ‘hacks’ will improve my life rapidly?

People turn to self-help for quick and simple solutions to personal problems… only to find that most of it doesn’t work. The best life hacks are based on scientific research. Let’s look at some proven techniques, as detailed by psychology professor Richard Wiseman in his book 59 Seconds.

Likability is the number one factor in nailing a job interview. Talk about interesting things beyond the role, praise the organization, and be genuine. One proven hack: admit a weakness early on, then let your strengths come up naturally throughout the rest of the interview.

Become more likable in general by owning mistakes. People who screw up occasionally are considered more appealing than those who try to come across as flawless. Avoid gossip (you’ll be associated with negativity) and say nice things about people when there’s no need to.

People who visualize their goals perform worse than those who don’t. Why? Because they fail to picture the setbacks that inevitably happen. Instead, have a solid plan (broken into smaller steps), share it with others (this creates accountability), and reward yourself for each success.

Brainstorming sessions dilute a sense of responsibility and cause people to overthink. Strong ideas pop up organically from our individual unconscious, so create space for the magic to happen by distracting your conscious mind with something engaging (like a puzzle).

Focusing on the benefits of any situation is a proven way to feel happier. Think of any negative experience as a transaction: instead of trying to block it out or cursing your bad luck, hone in on any positive aspects to be gained from it. This will boost your resilience.

Imagine a close friend standing up at your funeral and delivering a eulogy. What would they say? How would they reflect on your legacy? This short thought-exercise is a proven way to bring your true life-goals (and your progress towards them) into focus.

Be able to spot liars. Being calm and making direct eye contact does not reflect truthfulness. Telling a lie is like trying to solve a problem: people will pause, overthink things, and give long-winded answers. They also avoid personal words like “I”, “Me”, and “Mine” to create distance.

To maintain a healthy relationship, make sure that every negative comment you make is outnumbered by five positive ones. When you do need to criticize, lessen the blow by adding the word “But…” followed by some redeeming praise.

Finally, low self-esteem and materialistic lifestyles are connected. Don’t buy stuff, give people experiences. The act of giving, combined with the memory of an enjoyable experience, will do wonders for the long-term happiness of yourself and others.