(A Sneaky Guide to Keeping Power to Yourself)
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| 6 Secrets You Should Never Share |
Let’s face it: people aren’t as innocent as they seem. We live in a world where every single piece of information you share can (and probably will) be used against you. If you think keeping secrets is just some paranoid fantasy, think again. Your ability to keep your mouth shut could be your greatest weapon.
Before we dive in, if you're a regular reader, you know we’ve talked before about human psychology and the subtle ways it influences our decisions. This post takes it to a whole new level by arming you with the knowledge to protect yourself—and more importantly—keep others in the dark. Remember, power isn’t always about what you do, but often about what you don’t do. If you missed our previous discussions, especially on practical strategies and psychological hacks, now's the time to catch up.
So, what are these secrets you should keep locked away? Let’s look at 6 things you should never tell people—and why keeping your cards close is the ultimate strategy.
1. Don’t Tell People Your Plans: They Will Sabotage You
It sounds innocent enough, right? You’re excited about a new venture, a bold career move, or maybe a personal project that’s been burning in your mind. Your instinct might be to share it with friends or family for some moral support. But here’s the dark truth: the more people know, the more they can plot against you.
Why it Matters:
The moment your plans are out in the open, people start weighing them against their own interests. Whether out of jealousy, competition, or sheer malice, they’ll plant seeds of doubt, poke holes in your ideas, or even actively work to undermine your success. People rarely want to see others do better than them. Your shining moment could be their greatest nightmare. By keeping your plans to yourself, you eliminate any external interference, letting you move at your own pace without worrying about sabotage.
Practical Strategy:
Adopt a "need-to-know" mindset. When making moves—whether they’re personal or professional—ask yourself: “Does this person really need to know?” The fewer people aware of your intentions, the fewer obstacles you'll face. Keep your big dreams close and let your actions do the talking.
2. Don’t Tell People Your Weaknesses: They Will Use Them Against You
It’s natural to feel vulnerable sometimes, and society likes to tell us that it’s okay to express these feelings. But in reality, most people will exploit any sign of weakness they see. When you reveal what you struggle with, you hand people the keys to manipulate and control you. In their eyes, your weaknesses are nothing more than tools to leverage for their own benefit.
Why it Matters:
Everyone is battling their own demons, and when you openly share your insecurities or vulnerabilities, some might sympathize, but many will see an opportunity. Whether it’s in relationships, at work, or even in casual friendships, people will store that information away for later use. Suddenly, your weaknesses become your downfall, as they are used to corner you or get what they want.
Practical Strategy:
Master the art of selective vulnerability. Keep your weaknesses hidden like a master poker player holds his cards. If you need to vent or share, choose someone completely outside your circle who has no stake in your life. That way, your vulnerability stays contained, and no one can hold it over your head.
3. Don’t Tell People Your Failures: They Will Always See You as a Failure
We all mess up. Failure is part of life, right? But when you wear your failures on your sleeve, people will start associating you with defeat. They won’t remember your lessons learned; they’ll remember your missteps. And worse, they’ll never see you as the person who can overcome them.
Why it Matters:
In their minds, your failures become a permanent stain. Future opportunities will slip away because people are quick to assume “once a failure, always a failure.” Even if you've turned your life around, you’ll find yourself haunted by the shadow of your past mistakes. People will judge you not on who you are now, but on the skeletons in your closet.
Practical Strategy:
Let your success speak louder than your past failures. When you encounter setbacks, process them privately. Only share them once you’ve achieved success, framing them as stepping stones to greatness. This way, you remain in control of the narrative and avoid being pigeonholed as someone who can't win.
4. Don’t Tell People Your Next Big Move: “Move in Silence”
There’s power in mystery. The more people know about your next step, the easier it becomes for them to throw obstacles in your path. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “move in silence,” it’s because the less attention you draw to your ambitions, the smoother your path will be.
Why it Matters:
When you broadcast your next move, you invite scrutiny and interference. The best way to catch people off-guard is to let them think you're standing still. When you act without announcing your intentions, you give yourself the advantage of surprise. Your success becomes a statement that speaks for itself, leaving others wondering how you pulled it off.
Practical Strategy:
Practice restraint. When tempted to share your excitement about future endeavors, remind yourself that silence equals strength. The fewer people know, the less interference you’ll encounter. Once your move is complete and your success undeniable, it’ll be too late for anyone to undermine you.
5. Don’t Tell People Your Secrets: Only a Fool Reveals Secrets
Everyone loves the drama of a juicy secret, but here’s the catch: once it’s out, it’s no longer yours to control. Even the most trustworthy friends can accidentally let it slip, or worse—use it against you when things go south.
Why it Matters:
A secret, by definition, is something meant to stay hidden. The moment you share it, you lose all control over who knows and how it might be used. Secrets are power, and once they’re out, you’ve given up that power. What’s worse is that the person you confided in can weaponize it against you in the future.
Practical Strategy:
Keep your lips sealed. When tempted to share, remember that no one else can keep your secrets better than you. If a secret is weighing on you, find an anonymous or distant outlet—someone with no influence in your life. That way, your secrets stay under your control, and no one else has the power to expose you.
6. Don’t Tell People Your Income or Source of Income: Always Make Them Wonder
Money talks. And if people know how much you’re making or where it’s coming from, they’ll judge you, envy you, or try to take advantage of you. Either way, keeping your finances under wraps is the smartest move you can make.
Why it Matters:
Discussing your income is a double-edged sword. Reveal too much, and people will either envy your success or target you for favors and handouts. On the flip side, if they think you’re not making enough, you’ll be judged as someone who’s underachieving. Either way, you lose. Keeping your financial details private keeps others in a state of uncertainty, which works to your advantage.
Practical Strategy:
Master the art of vague answers when asked about your income or source of money. Statements like “I’m comfortable” or “I do well enough” keep people guessing without revealing too much. The less they know, the less they can judge or exploit.
In a world where information is currency, controlling what you share can mean the difference between being manipulated and maintaining power. Silence, mystery, and selective disclosure are your best friends. By keeping these six things to yourself, you maintain an upper hand and protect yourself from those who would use your own words to tear you down.
After all, as we’ve discussed in previous posts on psychology, people are far more predictable than they appear. Understanding this simple truth will set you apart from the crowd. Let them wonder. Let them guess. In the end, it’s your silence that will leave the biggest impression.
Read More:
6 Psychological Hacks to Control Life