“Tell me where I’m going to die so that I never go there.” This sentence refers to a superpower that many people have but is something that we can all use. However, many of us do not consider Restraint to be a superpower and we rarely exercise it. Similarly, there are seven other psychological superpowers that we can incorporate in our daily lives.
Hiding Your Intelligence
“A know-it-all is a person who knows everything except for how annoying he is.†— Demetri Martin
Being a smart person does not mean that you have to show off your intelligence in every discussion. Being silent can make your words even louder. No one likes to be corrected and you should try to maintain a reflection of a smart person that is not insecure in his skin. You should let other people feel important too.
Resisting Herd Mentality
Madness is rare in individuals—but in groups, parties, nations, and ages it is the rule. — Friedrich Nietzsche
It is a common saying that you should not follow herd mentality. If a person around you is indulging in a certain thing that you perceive to be wrong, you should not succumb to peer pressure and maintain the integrity of your individuality. Having an original perspective will give you an edge over the others in your area.
Not Caring What Others Think About You
“You want praise from people who kick themselves every 15 minutes, the approval of people who despise themselves.†— Marcus Aurelius
In an effort to impress people that you do not even know, you spend precious moments of your life worrying about their thoughts about you. You have a place in this universe and you should be free in your mind and be all you can be.
Not Passing Blame
“If it’s in your control, why do you do it? If it’s in someone else’s control, then who are you blaming? Atoms? The gods? Stupid either way. Blame no one.†— Marcus Aurelius
You should learn to take ownership of your actions. Spend more time in your life learning from your mistakes instead of convincing others that the blame that you have laid upon them is right.
Restrain Your Words
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.†— Stephen Covey
Most people have been in conversations where they are always talking and noone is listening to them. Like we said earlier, silence will ensure that your words are louder. Everyone will respect you when you weigh your words properly before uttering them. Don’t just jump into the conversations but instead wait for others to talk and then reply in a way that will be of some consequence to the other people.
Control Your Desires
“Those who act with few desires are calm, without worry or fear.†—Buddha
Ambition is necessary in life but do not let it poison your mind. There are some things that are more important than the desires, whether of the mind or the body. Learn to be happy without the need for materialistic things in life.
Have A Little Fun
“Outrage is like a lot of other things that feel good but over time devour us from the inside out. And it’s even more insidious than most vices because we don’t even consciously acknowledge that it’s a pleasure.†— Tim Kreider
While there are some things in life that should be taken seriously, there are others which you should take in with a light mind. Do not let your life be overpowered by the former so much that you forget to enjoy the latter. Life is not all about the grave news that you read. See the light at the end of the tunnel and strive to light up the entire tunnel. Bring happiness to your life and the lives of the others around you.