Power of 3: Why do we count to three?

“1… 2… 3!”. Have you ever wondered why we count to three, especially when embarking on a physically demanding job? The power of the number 3 underlies this habit. The reason why three, which is a number that our brain is conditioned without our awareness, is so important, lies as much as its simplicity as well as its practicality and satisfaction.

3: The secret of effective communication

A successful and persuasive text is as effective as tone and diction. We can see that these people realize that triple examples always work in a strong text and they use it frequently.

When introducing the iPhone, Steve Jobs talked about three components: the iPod, the phone, and the merging of the internet. The iPhone had many other features, of course, but Jobs chose to pinpoint it with three points. Martin Luther King Jr. He used trio examples in many of his inspiring speeches. Of course, these choices of Martin Luther King Jr., who spoke of "insult, injustice and abuse" and "justice, goodwill and fraternity", were no accident. As we can see from both examples, the secret of effective communication is in number 3. We can understand and remember more easily when we divide it into three parts. It is certain that successful people have already discovered the secret of the three.

3: Sufficient, facilitating and persuasive

The power of the three is also based on being believable and satisfying, unlike the two examples we mentioned above. Since the attention range of the human brain is limited, 3 items are more memorable than 5 or 10 items. According to research on short-term memory, people can only remember 3 or 4 things for a maximum of 20 seconds, not 5 to 9, contrary to popular belief.

The number three also has a great place in marketing strategies. Because while people love options, they don't want to have too many options. The paradox of choice comes into play: “The more choices we have, the less likely we are to be satisfied with our choice.”

Consider a situation where you have only one choice or knowledge; it doesn't seem comprehensive enough and you have nothing to compare it to. Two options are better than one, but not enough. When there are three options, it not only allows for a more meaningful, comprehensive and successful comparison, but also does not cause decision fatigue.

3: Degree of success

Etymologists cite the writing of ratings as an example of the importance given to the number three in English. In English, first, second and third degrees are written as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, while all remaining numbers are followed by -th; Like 4th, 5th. The top 3 also seem privileged in the language itself. Being in the top three at the Olympics and other award ceremonies is considered a serious achievement. The effect of the gold - silver - bronze trilogy on people is undoubtedly much more than being the 5th or 6th.

Speaking of achievements, you can also take advantage of the power of three to take more successful steps in your life. “When you use the power of three, you simplify, balance, and involve people.” He says and points out that with these three you can:

Build logic and simplicity. It makes it easy for both you and your audience to stay in context.

Provide balance and order. It establishes a clear expectation of how much they need to listen and how you are progressing.

Keep people connected. The audience stays engaged because they know where they are, like chapters in a book.

It is very easy to add trilogy to your life. All you have to do is keep the above examples in the back of your mind and

Using three examples when trying to explain a topic;

Giving them three reasons to persuade someone

Reviewing at least three options before deciding on something.

You are now ready to apply the rule of three.