What's a "cheat code" you discovered in real life that actually works?
This post is an organized summary of an inspiring Reddit thread I stumbled across recently.
Relationships & Social Interaction
This category covers advice on how to improve interactions with romantic partners, colleagues, friends, and strangers to build better connections and achieve more positive outcomes.
Be kind to everyone, especially support staff
Being consistently kind and respectful to maintenance, security, cleaners, and administrative staff is a powerful "cheat code". These individuals often know everything happening in a place, have significant influence, and can provide help in unexpected ways, such as giving you access to exclusive events, providing advance information, or speaking favorably on your behalf. The CEO's executive assistant is often considered the most powerful person in a company.
Give genuine, brief compliments
Complimenting people on a choice they made (like their shoes, tie, or hairstyle) rather than an inherent quality can significantly boost their confidence and make them remember you positively for years. The key is to make it genuine, brief, and without expectation. This can be done both to their face and behind their back to someone who will likely relay the compliment.
Listen more than you talk
To make people like you, ask them about things that matter to them and actively listen. Many people enjoy talking about themselves and their passions. By listening more and talking less, you not only build rapport but also avoid saying something foolish.
Master customer interactions
When dealing with customer service, always be nice. Representatives are far more likely to help you, find "out of stock" items, and offer free upgrades or discounts if you are pleasant and acknowledge the issue isn't their personal fault. Starting the call by simply asking how they are can be surprisingly effective. In person, you can also use the "manager switcheroo" by asking to speak to a manager as if to complain, only to deliver a heartfelt compliment.
Show you're on their side
When dealing with an upset client, customer, or even a child, aligning yourself with them can completely change the dynamic. Commiserating with their frustration makes them feel heard and turns you into an ally instead of an adversary.
Build and maintain romantic relationships
In a long-term relationship, it's important to never stop "dating" your partner. You can foster connection by asking your partner to talk about something they're passionate about and asking open-ended questions. Choosing the right partner—someone who is kind and with whom you share a sense of humor—is crucial.
General social skills
Smile and say good morning
Consistently smiling and offering a simple "good morning" can soften even a difficult manager's attitude towards you and improve the overall atmosphere.
Admit when you're wrong
It feels better than arguing a point you no longer believe in and earns respect.
Bring donuts
Bringing donuts to a mechanic, a work meeting, or a supplier is a simple way to improve outcomes and build goodwill that can pay off significantly over time.
Mindset & Emotional Well-being
This section includes tips for managing your internal dialogue, regulating emotions, and adopting a healthier perspective on life.
Reframe your thoughts
Tame your inner critic
When your inner negative voice appears, give it a name (like "Carl") and tell it to shut up. This simple act can help you create a much nicer internal dialogue.
Find the positive angle
Instead of getting angry at aggressive drivers, reframe them as people who are clearing the path or scouting for police up ahead for you. Look at dangerous encounters you've survived as a "win".
Trust past experience
Your brain may tell you not to go out when you're feeling down, but if you rationally remember that you always feel better after a walk, you can override that initial feeling. Similarly, remembering that the excitement of a new purchase is fleeting can curb impulse buying.
Set healthy boundaries
Learn to say "no"
"No" is a complete sentence, and you don't always have to provide an explanation.
Block nuisances
Blocking an ex or anyone who negatively impacts your life can dramatically improve your quality of life.
Compartmentalize
Protect your mental health by not discussing work problems at home and vice versa.
Practice self-care and perspective
  • Walk daily: Walking is a powerful tool for clearing your head, letting your subconscious solve complex problems, reducing anxiety, and aiding digestion.
  • Stop watching 24-hour news: The constant stream of information isn't always true, important, or relevant, and cutting it out can improve your mental state.
  • Pick your battles: In all aspects of life—from marriage to work—recognize which issues are not worth the stress and energy, and let them go.
  • Avoid comparison: Remember the saying, "Comparison is the thief of joy".
Productivity & Work
These are cheat codes related to efficiency, problem-solving, and professional conduct.
Problem-solving techniques
Step away from the problem
If you're stuck on a complicated issue, the best solution is often to take a break, go for a walk, or sleep on it. The answer frequently comes easily with a fresh mind.
Use "rubber duck debugging"
Explain a problem step-by-step to an inanimate object, like a rubber duck. The process of verbalizing the issue often helps you spot the error yourself.
Workplace conduct
Give credit, take responsibility
Be quick to give credit to others when things go well and be the first to accept responsibility when they go wrong.
Stay fueled during a crisis
In a high-stress work situation, remember to eat and drink. You are far less effective when you're dehydrated or have low blood sugar.
Personal efficiency
Wake up immediately
When your alarm goes off, get up right away without hitting the snooze button. If you wake up naturally before your alarm, just get up then; you'll often have more energy.
Quick math
To multiply a number by 5, divide it by 2 and move the decimal one place to the right (e.g., 132 / 2 = 66 -> 660). To divide by 5, multiply by 2 and move the decimal one place to the left (e.g., 75 * 2 = 150 -> 15.0).
Money & Finances
This bucket contains direct advice for saving money or gaining financial advantages.
  • Live below your means: This is a fundamental principle for financial health.
  • Buy welding gloves instead of a grilling mitt: You can get two durable welding gloves for half the price of a single grilling mitt.
  • Leverage kindness for discounts: As mentioned in the Relationships section, being consistently pleasant to customer service staff can lead to free plan upgrades, discounts, and other perks.
Miscellaneous & Practical Life Hacks
This category is a collection of clever tricks for everyday situations, from cooking to navigating public spaces.
Food & Cooking
The taco tortilla trick
Place a second tortilla under your taco to catch any fillings that fall out. This keeps your plate clean and gives you a bonus taco at the end.
The frozen pizza hack
For better topping distribution, take the pepperonis off a frozen pizza, cut them into fourths, and sprinkle them back on before baking.
The recipe bypass
To get a clean, ad-free recipe without the long blog post, add cooked.wiki/ in front of the recipe's URL.
Home & Health and Navigating the World
Home & Health:
  • Kill mosquitos at night: If a mosquito is buzzing in your ear, flap your bedsheets to disrupt its flight, then quickly turn on the lights. It will likely be on the wall right next to where your head was, giving you a "kill window" of about 20-30 seconds.
  • Return from vacation to a clean house: Cleaning your house before you leave makes coming home a much better experience.
  • Never lose a sock again: Put all your socks in a mesh laundry bag before washing. Zip it up, and they'll all stay together through the wash and dry cycles.
Navigating the World:
  • Act like you belong: You can get into many places by simply walking with confidence and purpose. Carrying a prop like a clipboard, wearing a hi-vis vest, or acting slightly annoyed can enhance the effect.
  • Part the crowds: To walk through a crowded area without interruption, look intently at a spot in the distance. People will instinctively move out of your way.
  • Win more raffles: Gently fold or crumple your raffle ticket before putting it in the container. This prevents it from lying flat and makes it easier for the person drawing to grab.