Don't Underestimate Persuasion

Picture this, you're in a group project and you want someone to work on a certain part of it, for explanation purposes let's say the PowerPoint slides while you research.

However, they don't want to do it. No matter how many times you ask them to focus.

This may have been a problem with you asking your parents or siblings too. You may ask them or even say you really want to do this, and they may acknowledge it, but it never happens.

So, what's the problem? Am I asking in a bad way? Are they just really unmotivated?

The answer: Yes.

All of those are a problem. I have learned many ways to make sure I get what I want (sounds stubborn and spoiled I know). Most of them involve manipulating your environments and their way of thinking by doing.

"Learn by doing", I am sure you've heard of this before but also "Teach by doing" is a great mechanic I use.

Forceful motivation

Sounds crazy but it works. I'm also sure you've heard that starting is the hardest part of anything and this is very true.

That explains why people never want to work or start something when you ask something. Even as simple as do you want to play a game or something while they are looking through their phone.

Unconsciously, their brain is going through the steps of how to start playing like getting up, turning on their console, loading up the game.

Our brains are very good at making a task seem harder than it actually is, so how can we use that? Instead of making them think of the process make them think of the outcome.

If you want to play a game with someone start by playing the game, act like you're showing them something on the game and then during that conversation try asking if they want to play.

Them seeing the game will remind them of how enjoyable the outcome is and be more willing to play with you.

Let me say that no matter what you do, you will never have a 100% acceptance rate. There will be times where they will likely say no, but something as simple as showing them the game which can increase your chances, and their brain processing is an easy way to boost your chances.

I want to go back to the PowerPoint idea as well, if they are messing around and not starting, give them a template, describe what you want from them to put less thinking on their brains. This will also motivate their brains to get started as they now have to do less work.