If you really want someone not to do something – don’t say don’t. Why it backfires...

Don’t chew with your mouth open! Don’t leave the garage door open! Don’t run with scissors! 

Don’t say don’t! If you really want someone NOT to do something, find a way to phrase it in the positive. Close your mouth when you chew, close the garage door and WALK with scissors - please.

When we receive an order or request, our brains create a flash image to help us process and make note of that thought. It’s a lot harder for someone to picture themselves NOT doing something than it is conjure up the positive action shot.