{"id":13730,"date":"2025-01-09T18:54:26","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T18:54:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/?p=13730"},"modified":"2025-01-09T18:54:26","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T18:54:26","slug":"insights-from-chapter-7-of-influence-the-psychology-of-persuasion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/insights-from-chapter-7-of-influence-the-psychology-of-persuasion\/","title":{"rendered":"Insights from Chapter 7 of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 7 of <em>The New Influence: Psychology of Persuasion<\/em> revolves around a single principle that resonates across human behavior: people prefer to be consistent with their past commitments.<\/p>\n<p>This unwavering desire to remain consistent can lead to both positive outcomes\u2014like better goal achievement\u2014and questionable manipulations\u2014such as commercial strategies that exploit our need to follow through.<\/p>\n<p>For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how to harness or guard against the power of commitment, this chapter stands out as a powerful guide. Below is a thorough exploration of the concepts, supported by fascinating research studies and relevant real-world applications.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Image 1 Placeholder (1792x1024) --><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13736\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.41.55-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-muted-green-background-depicting-rhythmic-sound-waves-emanating-from-a-speaker-positioned-at-a-slight-side-angle-.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1792\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.41.55-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-muted-green-background-depicting-rhythmic-sound-waves-emanating-from-a-speaker-positioned-at-a-slight-side-angle-.webp 1792w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.41.55-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-muted-green-background-depicting-rhythmic-sound-waves-emanating-from-a-speaker-positioned-at-a-slight-side-angle--300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.41.55-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-muted-green-background-depicting-rhythmic-sound-waves-emanating-from-a-speaker-positioned-at-a-slight-side-angle--1024x585.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.41.55-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-muted-green-background-depicting-rhythmic-sound-waves-emanating-from-a-speaker-positioned-at-a-slight-side-angle--768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.41.55-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-muted-green-background-depicting-rhythmic-sound-waves-emanating-from-a-speaker-positioned-at-a-slight-side-angle--1536x878.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why_consistency_matters_so_much\"><\/span>Why Consistency Matters So Much<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"core_motivations\"><\/span>Core Motivations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Society generally rewards consistency as a desirable trait\u2014people who change their opinions or commitments too often risk being labeled indecisive.<\/p>\n<p>On top of that, individuals tend to rely on consistency to navigate the sheer complexity of day-to-day life. From early childhood, the brain learns that consistency is a mental shortcut for making decisions.<\/p>\n<p>These shortcuts save time by allowing repeated actions without constant re-evaluation. When a behavior turns habitual, the mind can focus its attention on new challenges rather than rehashing old decisions.<\/p>\n<p>This chapter emphasizes three key reasons behind the universal pull toward consistent behavior:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Societal approval:<\/strong> People admire consistency. Flaky or unpredictable actions rarely earn respect.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Efficiency:<\/strong> Sticking to one\u2019s word frees mental space and energy, streamlining choices.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mental ease:<\/strong> Consistency provides a built-in script that simplifies life\u2019s complexities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_commitments_work_their_magic\"><\/span>How Commitments Work Their Magic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"building_commitment\"><\/span>Building Commitment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Commitment can function as a powerful lever for change. This chapter draws on various studies to illustrate how certain forms of commitment are especially effective.<\/p>\n<p>Written commitments, for instance, carry more weight than mere verbal agreements. Publicly announcing a commitment yields stronger adherence than silently deciding on a course of action.<\/p>\n<p>Actively stating, writing, or declaring an intention engages people on a deeper level, making them more likely to follow through.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most interesting facets is the \u201csmall-to-large\u201d effect, where a modest initial commitment leads an individual to accept bigger requests later.<\/p>\n<p>Once someone has agreed to a minor request, the urge to remain consistent drives the acceptance of larger requests in the future\u2014even if the second request seems disproportionately larger.<\/p>\n<p>Voluntary involvement also strengthens subsequent behavior. When people feel that they chose freely, the internal drive to stand by that commitment is significantly higher compared to when they feel coerced.<\/p>\n<p>This is why optional membership sign-ups, free trials, and ask-without-pressure tactics can be surprisingly effective in business and personal negotiations alike.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Image 2 Placeholder (1792x1024) --><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13737\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.42.19-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-pastel-purple-background-illustrating-the-gradual-progression-of-a-seed-to-bloom.-The-sequence-shows-a-small-seed.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1792\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.42.19-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-pastel-purple-background-illustrating-the-gradual-progression-of-a-seed-to-bloom.-The-sequence-shows-a-small-seed.webp 1792w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.42.19-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-pastel-purple-background-illustrating-the-gradual-progression-of-a-seed-to-bloom.-The-sequence-shows-a-small-seed-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.42.19-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-pastel-purple-background-illustrating-the-gradual-progression-of-a-seed-to-bloom.-The-sequence-shows-a-small-seed-1024x585.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.42.19-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-pastel-purple-background-illustrating-the-gradual-progression-of-a-seed-to-bloom.-The-sequence-shows-a-small-seed-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.42.19-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-soft-pastel-purple-background-illustrating-the-gradual-progression-of-a-seed-to-bloom.-The-sequence-shows-a-small-seed-1536x878.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the_%e2%80%9clow-ball%e2%80%9d_technique\"><\/span>The \u201cLow-Ball\u201d Technique<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This technique exemplifies how cleverly timed commitments can be manipulated. The individual first receives an appealing offer\u2014the \u201clow-ball.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Then, during the waiting period, they cultivate additional justifications: positive feelings about the choice, excitement about the outcome, or the idea that they\u2019ve already put in some effort.<\/p>\n<p>Once the mental investment is established, the original terms are conveniently taken away or altered. In many car dealerships, for example, a salesperson may offer an extremely low price to secure a \u201cyes,\u201d only to come back later with unexpected fees or disclaimers.<\/p>\n<p>The prospect, who has mentally committed, often proceeds with the transaction anyway because entirely backing out feels inconsistent with the decision already made.<\/p>\n<p>Though commonly associated with sales tactics, the low-ball technique also appears in everyday scenarios.<\/p>\n<p>Gym memberships, subscription-based services, and event sign-ups frequently rely on securing a first commitment with a sweet initial deal, followed by the gradual realization of the true costs or conditions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"key_research_supporting_commitment_strategies\"><\/span>Key Research Supporting Commitment Strategies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"freedmans_toy_study\"><\/span>Freedman\u2019s Toy Study<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the classic demonstrations of commitment\u2019s influence is Freedman\u2019s experiment with children and toy prohibitions.<\/p>\n<p>When the threat of punishment was mild, children developed an internal sense of motivation not to play with certain toys, forming a self-generated reason for avoiding them. On the flip side, when the threat was severe, children exhibited compliance only as long as the external pressure remained.<\/p>\n<p>This study underscores the importance of letting individuals draw their own conclusions and commit based on personal reasoning. In corporate settings, appealing to employees\u2019 or customers\u2019 sense of autonomy can be especially impactful.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"iowa_energy_conservation_study\"><\/span>Iowa Energy Conservation Study<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Iowa Energy Conservation experiment proved that once people commit to a course of action\u2014especially when it\u2019s public\u2014they often continue even after incentives are removed.<\/p>\n<p>Participants initially signed up for an energy-saving program with the promise of publicizing their good deeds.<\/p>\n<p>After that reward was canceled, participants\u2019 energy savings actually increased. The act of committing spurred deeper internal justifications that no longer depended on external recognition.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Image 3 Placeholder (1792x1024) --><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13738\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.03-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-warm-subdued-yellow-background-featuring-a-serene-sunflower-field.-In-the-foreground-a-few-large-stylized-sunflowers.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1792\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.03-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-warm-subdued-yellow-background-featuring-a-serene-sunflower-field.-In-the-foreground-a-few-large-stylized-sunflowers.webp 1792w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.03-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-warm-subdued-yellow-background-featuring-a-serene-sunflower-field.-In-the-foreground-a-few-large-stylized-sunflowers-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.03-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-warm-subdued-yellow-background-featuring-a-serene-sunflower-field.-In-the-foreground-a-few-large-stylized-sunflowers-1024x585.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.03-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-warm-subdued-yellow-background-featuring-a-serene-sunflower-field.-In-the-foreground-a-few-large-stylized-sunflowers-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.03-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-warm-subdued-yellow-background-featuring-a-serene-sunflower-field.-In-the-foreground-a-few-large-stylized-sunflowers-1536x878.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"cross-cultural_and_demographic_observations\"><\/span>Cross-Cultural and Demographic Observations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Chapter 7 also points out that individualistic cultures, such as those found in North America and Western Europe, can be particularly drawn to commitments.<\/p>\n<p>In collectivist societies, the pressure to maintain social harmony can sometimes override the strict demands of personal consistency.<\/p>\n<p>Another intriguing dimension is age: the preference for consistency escalates with life experience, particularly after the age of 50.<\/p>\n<p>Personality traits like conscientiousness can amplify susceptibility, whereas overall education level does not appear to offer substantial protection. Many well-educated individuals are just as vulnerable to commitment effects as those with less formal schooling.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"guarding_against_undue_influence\"><\/span>Guarding Against Undue Influence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not everyone wants to be manipulated by the low-ball technique or forced commitments. Chapter 7 lays out two internal warning systems that can help detect when consistency is more burden than benefit.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"stomach_signs\"><\/span>Stomach Signs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The first line of defense\u2014\u201cstomach signs\u201d\u2014refers to that visceral feeling that something is off. A physical reaction, ranging from subtle discomfort to actual nausea, can serve as an early warning.<\/p>\n<p>Any time a commitment feels prematurely forced or oddly contrived, the body might recognize it before the mind does. Trusting that instinct can prevent costly decisions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"heart-of-hearts_signs\"><\/span>Heart-of-Hearts Signs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHeart-of-hearts\u201d signs operate on a deeper level. They require honest introspection to determine whether, knowing what is known now, the same decision would be made again.<\/p>\n<p>This process bypasses the many rationalizations that develop once someone states, \u201cYes.\u201d When the gut says the choice was misguided, the best remedy is to admit it\u2014even if it feels inconsistent.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Image 4 Placeholder (1792x1024) --><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13739\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.25-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-light-soft-pink-background-featuring-a-minimalist-ECG-electrocardiogram-line-running-horizontally-across-the-image.-.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1792\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.25-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-light-soft-pink-background-featuring-a-minimalist-ECG-electrocardiogram-line-running-horizontally-across-the-image.-.webp 1792w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.25-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-light-soft-pink-background-featuring-a-minimalist-ECG-electrocardiogram-line-running-horizontally-across-the-image.--300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.25-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-light-soft-pink-background-featuring-a-minimalist-ECG-electrocardiogram-line-running-horizontally-across-the-image.--1024x585.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.25-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-light-soft-pink-background-featuring-a-minimalist-ECG-electrocardiogram-line-running-horizontally-across-the-image.--768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.25-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-light-soft-pink-background-featuring-a-minimalist-ECG-electrocardiogram-line-running-horizontally-across-the-image.--1536x878.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"evaluating_each_decision\"><\/span>Evaluating Each Decision<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A useful diagnostic question is: \u201cIf given a chance to rewind, would the same decision be made?\u201d Answering this before the brain floods with justifications can illuminate whether consistency is serving a genuine need or becoming a convenient excuse.<\/p>\n<p>While consistency can be harnessed for virtuous goals, it can just as easily lock people into unproductive habits or expensive contracts.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"commitment_and_consistency_in_professional_settings\"><\/span>Commitment and Consistency in Professional Settings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"medical_compliance\"><\/span>Medical Compliance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Hospitals, clinics, and other health organizations now place significant emphasis on visual reminders that reinforce doctor and patient commitments.<\/p>\n<p>Something as simple as a posted sign-in sheet or a photo near a hand-washing station can reinforce a commitment to proper hygiene.<\/p>\n<p>In the same vein, personal notes in patient charts have reduced unnecessary prescriptions, highlighting the potency of visible commitments in achieving positive health outcomes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"business_and_sales_applications\"><\/span>Business and Sales Applications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sales professionals frequently use incremental commitments to guide potential customers through a sequence of steps: a low-cost product leads to a more significant upgrade, or a short-term deal transitions into a long-term contract.<\/p>\n<p>Teamly software, for instance, invites users to try a streamlined approach to project management with flexible sign-up options.<\/p>\n<p>Offering small, risk-free commitments paves the way for long-lasting relationships because buyers are more likely to stay if they have mentally agreed to the process.<\/p>\n<p>Even outside of direct sales, public statements can reduce no-show rates or spur action. Think of the phenomenon where someone publicly declares a health goal on social media.<\/p>\n<p>Friends become an unofficial accountability partner, motivating follow-through. By consistently meeting the self-imposed standards, the individual maintains personal pride and upholds the public image of resolve.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Image 5 Placeholder (1792x1024) --><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13740\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.45-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-calm-neutral-blue-background-featuring-several-simplified-hands-arranged-in-a-circular-pattern-with-palms-facing-inwa.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1792\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.45-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-calm-neutral-blue-background-featuring-several-simplified-hands-arranged-in-a-circular-pattern-with-palms-facing-inwa.webp 1792w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.45-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-calm-neutral-blue-background-featuring-several-simplified-hands-arranged-in-a-circular-pattern-with-palms-facing-inwa-300x171.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.45-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-calm-neutral-blue-background-featuring-several-simplified-hands-arranged-in-a-circular-pattern-with-palms-facing-inwa-1024x585.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.45-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-calm-neutral-blue-background-featuring-several-simplified-hands-arranged-in-a-circular-pattern-with-palms-facing-inwa-768x439.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DALL\u00b7E-2025-01-09-13.43.45-A-flat-2D-vector-image-with-a-calm-neutral-blue-background-featuring-several-simplified-hands-arranged-in-a-circular-pattern-with-palms-facing-inwa-1536x878.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"applying_these_insights\"><\/span>Applying These Insights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Much of Chapter 7 highlights the fine line between ethical persuasion and outright manipulation.<\/p>\n<p>When employed ethically, commitment strategies help people stick to goals, develop healthier habits, and overcome procrastination. In professional environments, small steps like written objectives, public pledges, or team-based goal setting can yield powerful improvements in productivity and cooperation.<\/p>\n<p>However, it\u2019s also important to remain vigilant about any signs of manipulative tactics\u2014especially when requests escalate from trivial to outsized with little logical connection.<\/p>\n<p>Armed with the knowledge from this chapter, readers are likely to become more aware of the ways they can shape their own commitments and also spot potential pitfalls.<\/p>\n<p>Making an informed, voluntary decision is empowering; when people take ownership of their commitments, their motivation is stronger and their satisfaction higher.<\/p>\n<p>But if a commitment is coerced or artificially sweetened only to be retracted later, that\u2019s a sign to step back and re-evaluate the whole arrangement.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"where_to_find_the_book\"><\/span>Where to Find the Book<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For anyone who values an in-depth understanding of why people do what they do, and how to harness (or resist) the tremendous sway of consistency, Chapter 7 of <em>The New Influence: Psychology of Persuasion<\/em> is an absolute must-read.<\/p>\n<p>The blend of research, real-world applications, and candid stories makes it both engaging and enlightening. All of the key points\u2014from Freedman\u2019s toy study to the Iowa Energy Conservation effort\u2014offer ample examples of how a small commitment leads to large-scale change.<\/p>\n<p>Get a copy of the book at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/NEW-Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-New-Expanded\/dp\/B09VQ3XCZV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this link on Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 7 of The New Influence: Psychology of Persuasion revolves around a single principle that resonates across human behavior: people prefer to be consistent with their past commitments. This unwavering desire to remain consistent can lead to both positive outcomes\u2014like better goal achievement\u2014and questionable manipulations\u2014such as commercial strategies that exploit our need to follow through. &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/insights-from-chapter-7-of-influence-the-psychology-of-persuasion\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Insights from Chapter 7 of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":13731,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-book-summaries"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Insights from Chapter 7 of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Chapter 7 revolves around a single principle that resonates across human behavior: people prefer to be consistent with their past commitments.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/insights-from-chapter-7-of-influence-the-psychology-of-persuasion\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Insights from Chapter 7 of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chapter 7 revolves around a single principle that resonates across human behavior: people prefer to be consistent with their past commitments.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/insights-from-chapter-7-of-influence-the-psychology-of-persuasion\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Official Teamly Blog - 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