Mario Psychology- same same but different

Mario games teach us that even something is essentially the same , psychologically it can be completely different. This example is easy to understand.

It’s because we don’t intuitively buy that the game’s physics, wherein the blocks in the air are as stable as the blocks resting on other blocks. So we’re subconsciously thinking about dealing with a less stable environment.

Is this the Illusion of safety?

1. Perception of Support: When bricks or platforms are grounded, they provide a visual cue that they are supported by the game's environment, which may subconsciously imply stability and safety. Conversely, bricks suspended in the air may not provide the same psychological reassurance because there is no visible support, which could trigger a fear of falling or instability.

2. Height and Fear of Falling: Humans have an innate fear of falling, which is tied to our survival instinct. Platforms that rise from the ground are perceived as safer because they are connected to a stable base. Suspended platforms, especially at great heights, may evoke a primal fear of falling, even in a virtual environment.

3. Learned Experience: Players may have learned from experience that grounded bricks are usually safe to land on, whereas suspended bricks could lead to a missed jump and a consequent 'death' in the game, which reinforces the anxiety associated with them.

4. Control Perception: When jumping from a grounded platform, players might feel they have more control over the character's movement and trajectory compared to jumping towards a floating platform, which may require more precise timing and control, thereby increasing the perceived risk.

5. Visual Continuity: Grounded platforms may provide a sense of continuity with the rest of the environment, making it easier for the player to predict and trust the physics of the game world. In contrast, floating platforms can appear as isolated obstacles that disrupt this continuity, potentially causing a perception of unpredictability and risk.

These factors combine to create a psychological experience of safety or danger that affects how players perceive and react to different elements in a game. What are such factors in our life that control our outcomes but shouldn’t?

Your outcomes will be better if you can write better. If you want to learn how to write better, there is nothing better than this interview and its lessons.

It is very hard to change old habits. So hard that some time you have to pay people to change them. in 2017, Visa offered up to 50 small food and restaurant vendors $10,000 if they would agree to stop accepting cash.

Imagine that? Change is incredibly hard. For our outcomes to change we have to really understand what motivates people to embrace it.

Imagine that indeed. In a world where cash was king, Visa's bold move in 2017 was more than just a financial incentive; it was a challenge to the status quo. For small food and restaurant vendors, this was not merely a proposition to switch payment methods, but a call to be part of a transformative shift in the business landscape.

This is where the narrative becomes particularly relevant for young entrepreneurs. The key takeaway from Visa's strategy is not the money offered, but the underlying understanding of human psychology. Change, especially in business practices, often meets resistance not due to a lack of merit but due to comfort with the known and fear of the unknown. Visa understood that to overcome this inertia, they needed to offer something compelling – in this case, a financial cushion that made the risk of change seem more palatable.

For entrepreneurs, this story is a masterclass in change management. It illustrates that to drive change, one must look beyond the obvious barriers and delve into the less tangible aspects of human behavior. What fears might people have about this change? What misconceptions could be holding them back? How can these be addressed in a way that's both understanding and persuasive?

The lesson extends beyond the realm of financial transactions. It's about understanding that at the heart of every business decision is a human decision. Whether you're trying to convince a customer to try a new product, an investor to fund a novel idea, or a team to adopt a new process, the challenge is the same: understanding and addressing the human element.

The story of Visa's initiative concludes with a valuable insight for aspiring entrepreneurs: change is not just about introducing something new; it's about understanding and aligning with the motivations, fears, and aspirations of those who are expected to embrace it. This understanding is what transforms a good idea into a viable, sustainable change – one that people are willing to adopt, not because they are paid to, but because they see its value in their lives.

Asking hard questions scale. Here is a solid list to get started.

What is fake medicine? Who are the main producers and the main customers? How are these special products transported to different points of sale? Above all, how to stem this flourishing business?

Some times its great to get inspiration from others on what ideas will or can potentially work especially if a successful entrepreneur can share their reasoning on pitches recieved. If you are all out of ideas heres the kicker you need to learn about things other people are thinking about and how you could evaluate if using/building some thing similar may work for you. Or just to get inspiration at any age, for better outcomes. When we stay inspired, we stay engaged.

A judge recently decided that work entirely generated by AI can’t be copyrighted. What do you think this implies long term. With all the advancements in Ai does this pose a challenge to the growth outcomes of humanity?

Bonus! Thought(s) of the week

We have been taught to equate color with better treatment and better nutrition, whether it’s true or not. I am talking about egg yolks. A deep dive on America’s relationship with egg yolks .

What are the lessons you can learn from this?

1. Perception is Often Reality: In marketing, how consumers perceive a product can be more influential than the actual quality of the product. If egg yolks are perceived as healthier or more natural when they are a certain color, this perception can drive purchasing decisions, regardless of whether the color actually indicates better nutrition.

2. Storytelling in Branding: The appeal of certain egg yolk colors may be tied to a larger narrative about farm-to-table freshness, naturalness, and quality. Entrepreneurs can learn the importance of creating a compelling story around their products that aligns with the values and expectations of their target market.

3. Leveraging Consumer Trends: If there's a growing trend, such as a preference for more 'natural' looking egg yolks, entrepreneurs should consider how to align their products with these trends. However, it's crucial to do this authentically to avoid being seen as opportunistic or deceptive.

4. Visual Appeal in Product Presentation: The importance of the visual aspect of products can't be overstated. In many cases, the appearance of a product can influence consumers' perceptions of its quality and value. Entrepreneurs should focus on the visual appeal of their products in packaging and marketing.

5. Ethical Marketing: While it's important to leverage consumer perceptions, there's a fine line between smart marketing and misleading practices. Entrepreneurs should strive to market their products ethically, ensuring that their claims are backed by facts and not exploiting consumer misconceptions.

6. Market Research and Consumer Feedback: Understanding why consumers prefer certain product attributes (like egg yolk color) is crucial. Continuous market research and soliciting consumer feedback can help entrepreneurs stay aligned with consumer preferences and adjust their strategies accordingly.

7. Educational Marketing: Sometimes, educating consumers about your product can shift perceptions and create a new market. If the nutritional value of egg yolks is independent of color, for instance, educating consumers about this fact could open up new marketing avenues.

These lessons highlight the complexity and importance of marketing in shaping consumer behavior and perceptions, especially in industries like food where appearance and perceived quality play significant roles in purchasing decisions and thus your outcomes.