The need to: Predict

To feel in control | To decide | Cause and effect | So what?

One of the things we are constantly doing is predicting the future, whether it is the micropredictions of movement or forecasts of what might happen next year.

To feel in control

A basic need we have is for a sense of control. If we can predict what will happen, this gives us a lot better chance to control things.

If we do not know what will happen next then we cannot relax and must constantly be on the lookout for danger.

To decide

In our ruminating and decision-making we are constantly looking forward, trying to decide the best course of action to achieve our goals and avoid potential discomforts.

If we can predict accurately, then we will make good decisions and be successful in meeting our goals and objectives.

Cause and effect

Being able to predict is about connecting cause and effect. If we can connect the cause of today to the effect of tomorrow, we can predict. And if we can create a chain of these, we can predict what will happen next week.

Being able to explain cause and effect meets yet another need and allows us to appear rational to other people, thus appearing predictable (and hence meeting their needs for prediction and control).

So What?

Be predictable with other people and they will trust you and like you more easily.

You can also be deliberately unpredictable to put them off balance, causing confusion that you can then utilize.

When people cannot predict and do not know what to do, they will look to other people. So create a new situation for them, then show them what to do.

The need to: Predict

To feel in control

To decide

Cause and effect

So What?

See also