I knew it was going to come to this. You read about what Aztec Holes are, and you want to break into someone else’s. That elusive singular brain entrance, right?
All I can say is use your powers for good, and not evil, hah! No, seriously, I get it. Either you are married or the partner of someone who has ADD/ADHD tendancies, and are navigating the scattered waters, OR there is someone who really frustrates you (OK, it could be one in the same).
This whole Aztec Hole idea is universal, it applies to everyone.
I think we all at one time have someone we are so annoyed with trying to reason or get an idea across, that we could just hit them over the head (figuratively speaking).
Table of Contents
The power of observation
Whether it’s a personal relationship, or work one, it comes down to observation, patience, and trial and error. You can’t completely be guaranteed of a sure win, but it helps.
Getting through to the Aztec Hole of others can take different shapes and forms:
- the right timing
- the person delivering the message
- select strategic actions
Timing
I’m sure everyone gets the point on right timing. Trying to inject an idea while the person is distracted is not going to hit the target. This goes hand-in-hand with the mental state of the person. There is no one who listens when they are defensive, or angry about something. On the flip side, if the person is very relaxed, they may be open to a fresh idea visiting them.
Timing can also include time of day. A groggy person in the morning is not ready to get cornered. Same way at work or social settings, look for the right moment.
I know, it’s a crazy world, but don’t question the gods of the Aztec Hole.
–Renee’s Rabbit Hole
Listening to others
Have you ever observed the phenomenon that you might say something, and it doesn’t make it into the Aztec Hole, but a friend they look up to can get their advice heeded? I know, it’s a crazy world, but don’t question the gods of the Aztec Hole.
They might also listen to people in authority, such as a medical doctor. That’s why wives talk their stubborn husbands to get an appointment – let the doctor deliver the news he needs to hear!
How many times have you heard someone in a movie, TV, or real life say, “we’ll get Joe to talk sense into her, she’ll listen to him!” in an effort to push their agenda. Humans have already figured out certain tactics that yield results.
Strategic actions
A slower approach is to drop a gentle or small comment in here or there. Do it again a few days later. It will get in eventually!
A comment can be used in conjunction with modeling good behavior. For example, a spouse can eat healthy and lose weight, and then comment, “I lost two pounds this week! – That diet must be working!”
Comments of positive reinforcement are also helpful. Sprinkle those around when somebody does something right.
Then there is the use of carefully placed objects to trigger a thought. I’m thinking of when people intentionally leave something laying out (like a vacation brochure) or otherwise to drop a big hint. Is it underhanded? All’s fair in love and war.
You might say that these fall under “reverse psychology” – to get someone to do what you want them to do. The Andy Griffith Show was king in using this technique. Whether Sheriff Andy was trying to steer Barney away from a potential mistake, or reasoning with his son Opie, it was always a humorous episode and cleverly implemented.
Take a lesson from “The Office”
In the popular, “The Office” episodes, there are plenty of humourous moments when someone has used psychology to breach the Aztec Hole.
This might not be quite an Aztec Hole moment, with Dwight being tricked in the wrong day of the week, but it has the hints of a well-crafted Aztec Hole plot.
