Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1251IR // #c1251Synthesis

"Voting is habit-forming. It’s identity-forming." "Once someone has taken action in politics (as in any endeavor), they become more interested in what happens next."

— In our words · Source: This Is the Plan (Ben Wikler)

[Use when]

You're trying to build interest through argument and could instead get people to take one small action.

[Why it matters]

A first vote in an off-year mayor's race makes a person more likely to vote for the rest of their life. Interest follows action. Getting someone to act once often matters more than convincing them first.

Filed under situations:When you need a yes and they’re not there yet

More from This Is the Plan

#c1233"Here’s the operating principle: All other things being equal, you’ll be most persuasive to the people with whom you have the closest…You want to change minds and are about to start with the widest, least personal channel available. #c1234"Keep a CONSTANT WATCH on the DOUBTFUL VOTERS, and from time to time have them TALKED TO by those IN WHOM THEY HAVE THE MOST CONFIDENCE."You need to win over a wavering group and are deciding who should deliver the message. #c1235"Whenever a new way to reach someone unsolicitedly and cheaply pops into existence—mail, texts, Facebook messages—it has a brief twinkling…Your team is excited about a new cheap outreach channel because early numbers look great.

Same situation, different book

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