In politics, how you say something can matter just as much as what you say. This principle, known as framing, is a cornerstone of behavioral economics and a central idea in Richard Thaler’s Nudge. Framing leverages the fact that people interpret information differently depending on how it’s presented. Consider this: would you rather vote for a candidate whose policy promises “a 90% success rate” or one who says there’s “a 10% failure rate”? Although the facts are identical, the way they’re framed creates vastly different emotional responses.

Behavioral science tells us that people are more likely to follow through on their intentions when they make a public or private commitment. These commitment devices—a concept explored in Richard Thaler’s Nudge—create accountability and strengthen resolve, making them a powerful tool in political campaigns. In the context of voter registration, commitment devices can be used to nudge supporters toward action. By encouraging people to declare their intention to register or vote, campaigns can inspire higher participation and foster a stronger connection with voters.

Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist, famously wrote, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” In politics, the battlefield isn’t just your opponent—it’s also the landscape of public opinion, voter priorities, and your own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing yourself as a candidate is the foundation of any successful campaign. Without this critical self-awareness, even the best strategies and messages can fall flat. Let’s explore why self-evaluation is essential and how embracing Sun Tzu’s wisdom can guide you toward becoming the most authentic, effective version of yourself.

Defaults are one of the most powerful tools in behavioral science, as they leverage human inertia to encourage specific behaviors. Whether it’s setting recurring donations as the default or automatically enrolling voters in notifications, defaults can significantly increase participation and engagement. However, as Richard Thaler emphasizes in Nudge, “A nudge must be transparent and never misleading. The goal is to help people, not exploit them.” In this post, we’ll explore how to ethically apply defaults in political campaigns to maximize impact while maintaining trust and autonomy.

Self-awareness is critical for success, but it’s only part of the equation. Overconfidence—thinking you have all the answers or underestimating your opponent—can be just as dangerous as being unprepared. Sun Tzu warned, “If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.” In politics, victory isn’t just about understanding your strengths; it’s about recognizing the full landscape, including your opponent, your voters, and the challenges ahead.

In politics, words hold power—but so does silence. While speaking confidently can inspire action and convey leadership, knowing when to listen can be just as impactful. Striking the right balance between the two is essential for building trust, understanding voter priorities, and making sound decisions. As Sun Tzu said, “He will conquer who has learned the artifice of deviation.” Sometimes, the smartest move is to hold back, observe, and listen, rather than rushing to fill the silence.

What if the key to victory isn’t one big moment but a series of small, intentional wins? Zig Ziglar once said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” In the high-pressure world of political campaigns, it’s easy to focus on the big picture—the grand rallies, the headline-grabbing ads, or the major fundraising goals. But more often than not, success comes from the consistent accumulation of small victories.

Social norms—the unspoken rules that guide how people behave—are among the most powerful influences on human decision-making. In politics, leveraging social norms can nudge people toward positive behaviors like voting, volunteering, or donating to a campaign. When people see that others in their community are taking action, they’re more likely to follow suit. As Richard Thaler writes in Nudge, “Humans are easily influenced by the behavior of others. Highlighting social norms can gently steer people toward better decisions.” By framing political participation as the norm, campaigns can inspire collective action and build momentum.

In the fast-paced world of politics, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to please every audience or adapt to shifting trends. However, the most successful campaigns are rooted in authenticity, where the candidate’s personal values align seamlessly with their message. Sun Tzu reminds us, “The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.” In politics, that “logistics” is your ability to align your core beliefs with your communication strategy. This alignment creates clarity, builds trust, and inspires action.

Tough times don’t last, but tough leaders do. What’s your strategy for leading through the storm? Zig Ziglar said it best: “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” In politics, as in life, it’s not the obstacles you face but how you respond to them that defines your success. Campaigns are unpredictable, and adversity is inevitable. But the leaders who meet challenges with positivity and resolve inspire confidence—not just from their teams, but from voters as well.

Civic engagement is the foundation of a thriving democracy. From voting to volunteering to participating in local decision-making, engaged citizens build stronger communities and hold leaders accountable. Behavioral nudges, as Richard Thaler explores in Nudge, offer powerful tools to foster a culture of engagement that lasts far beyond a single election cycle. By making civic participation accessible, rewarding, and habitual, campaigns and policymakers can inspire lasting change that strengthens democracy and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Why are you running for office? It’s a simple question, but your answer is the foundation of your entire campaign. Knowing your “why” keeps you focused, guides your decisions, and inspires others to believe in your leadership. As Sun Tzu wisely stated, “He who knows himself and his opponent will not be imperiled in a hundred battles.” In politics, understanding your motivations—your “why”—is just as critical as knowing your policies or your opponent’s weaknesses.

Ambition is vital in politics, but without clear and achievable goals, even the most passionate candidates can lose focus. As you begin your campaign journey, setting realistic and measurable goals ensures that every effort contributes to your vision and connects with voters effectively. This post outlines the importance of goal-setting in a political campaign and provides practical steps for crafting a roadmap to success.

In politics, your reputation is your most valuable asset. As Dale Carnegie wrote in How to Win Friends and Influence People, “Character is made in the small moments of our lives.” A reputation for integrity isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through consistent honesty, accountability, and authenticity. For candidates, integrity fosters trust, inspires loyalty, and strengthens your connection with voters, volunteers, and donors. In this post, we’ll explore how to cultivate and maintain a reputation for integrity, even in the high-pressure world of politics.

Dreams inspire, but plans win elections. Are you balancing both? Zig Ziglar famously said, “A goal properly set is halfway reached.” While vision and dreams are the lifeblood of any successful campaign, they mean little without a concrete plan to bring them to life. Voters don’t just want to hear your ideas—they want to know how you’re going to make them a reality. The best campaigns combine inspiration with execution, creating a blueprint for action that builds trust and drives results.

People are naturally influenced by what others around them are doing. Behavioral economics calls this principle peer comparison, and it’s a highly effective nudge for driving voter engagement, increasing turnout, and encouraging civic participation. As Richard Thaler notes in Nudge, “Humans are social creatures, and showing them how they compare to others can motivate behavior.” In political campaigns, peer comparisons can nudge voters by creating social accountability and reinforcing desirable norms, like voting, volunteering, or donating. By ethically leveraging this principle, campaigns can inspire action and build momentum.

Are you losing voters by making too much sense? In politics, logic isn’t always your friend. The Insight: Rory Sutherland warns, “When you demand logic, you pay a hidden price: you destroy magic.” Political campaigns that focus too heavily on logic and reason often fail to connect emotionally with voters.

Mistakes are inevitable in politics. Whether it’s a poorly phrased comment, a controversial decision, or a misstep during a debate, no candidate is immune to errors. What sets great leaders apart is their ability to admit mistakes with humility and turn them into opportunities for growth and connection. Sun Tzu said, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” For candidates, the chaos of a mistake can be reframed into a powerful moment of vulnerability and authenticity—if handled correctly.

Confidence is essential for any political candidate. It shows voters you’re capable, decisive, and ready to lead. But too much confidence can quickly veer into arrogance, alienating the very people you’re trying to connect with. The key is finding the perfect balance between confidence and humility. As Sun Tzu said, “The wise warrior avoids the battle.” In politics, that wisdom comes from knowing when to assert your strength and when to show vulnerability. Balancing these two traits can make your campaign more relatable, trustworthy, and effective.

Facts inform, but stories inspire. In politics, a compelling narrative can capture hearts and minds, turning skeptics into supporters and passive voters into passionate advocates. Dale Carnegie wrote in How to Win Friends and Influence People, “When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.” Stories are one of the most powerful tools for connecting emotionally with voters, volunteers, and donors. In this post, we’ll explore how storytelling can help you win people to your side and build a campaign that resonates.

Leadership isn’t just about talking—it’s about truly listening. Are you hearing your voters? Zig Ziglar famously said, “You can’t truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.” In politics, this wisdom is more relevant than ever. Voters don’t just want to be spoken to—they want to be heard. Campaigns that prioritize listening gain a deeper understanding of their communities, build trust, and craft messaging that truly resonates.

Early voting offers convenience for voters and reduces stress on Election Day, yet many people still hesitate to take advantage of it. Behavioral nudges, as explored in Richard Thaler’s Nudge, can guide voters toward casting their ballots early by making the process easier, more visible, and more appealing. By leveraging principles like social proof, reminders, and accessibility, campaigns can increase early voting participation, ensuring that more voices are heard and reducing last-minute barriers to turnout.