Can you use the meaning of colors to become successful? Color psychology isn’t just used by marketers and big brands, it’s also used by health professionals, and even in prisons.
Once you understand how colors work, you can use them easily and simply in your clothing and environment. Colors evoke emotions and trigger responses. This infographic shows the primary colors, their associations, and the brands that use those colors in their marketing. In one particular study, 84% of consumers cited the color as the reason they bought a product.
If you’re aware of the meaning of colors, you can use colors not only to affect yourself, but also the people around you to help you to become successful.
Color science: what do colors mean?
Objects aren’t colored; they either reflect or emit light, and your brain perceives this as color. Therefore, “color” is a personal experience. Your brain isn’t like anyone else’s, so the experience of a color is very personal.
However, although color is subjective, a color such as red, for example, will trigger similar responses in people: red gives you energy. Blue on the other hand, is relaxing.
Let’s look at three ways in which you can use the meaning of colors to become more successful: by using colors to change your mood, affect how others see you, and also how you can use colors to influence and persuade.
1. Use colors to change your mood.
Colors in your environment affect you. Most people are fascinated by the changing colors of a sunset, for example.
Colors can help you in many ways. Are you tired? Studies show that red increases your heart rate; it’s energizing. One study suggested that “seeing the color red makes muscles move faster and with more force.” If you’re feeling exhausted, imagining the color red or looking at an image of a red sports car may give you a quick burst of energy.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling over-stimulated, and want to relax, the color blue helps you calm down. Try imagining that you’re on a beach, looking at the ocean if you need to relax before giving a presentation.
2. Use colors to affect how others see you.
If you’re a woman, and want to attract a man, consider wearing red:
A study published last fall in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, for instance, found that red makes men feel more amorous toward women. – Tate Gunnerson
The website AskMen suggests red for men, too:
The color red evokes dominance, power and attention. Red clothing will definitely make you stand out from the rest of the crowd and will mark you with sexual energy. – Chris Rovny
Love basic black for work? Many people do. However, if you’re constantly showing up to work in black clothing, it can send the wrong message:
… black could also be signaling to your co-workers that you’re depressed, unimaginative, dark-spirited and/or lazy. – Lisa Johnson Mandell
Blue on the other hand, can help you to become more successful. Wear dark blue to a job interview, and you’ll be seen as friendly, confident and loyal – the attributes of the perfect employee.
3. Use colors to influence and persuade.
Colors have different associations for different cultures. Western cultures, for example, associate red with Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Brands spend millions on research, so this infographic is useful if you need to influence people or persuade them.
If you’re developing a presentation for your boss, choose your colors carefully. In a formal environment, you can’t go wrong if you use blue. This color creates a sense of trust, and is used by companies like Skype, Twitter and Walmart.
Green symbolizes money, and is associated with wealth and love. Companies like Whole Foods, Starbucks and 7 Eleven use green. Choose green as a base color for your presentation if you need to share bad news gently. Studies have shown that it’s a relaxing color.
Are you feeling inspired by the idea of using colors? Try using the meaning of colors in your life to become successful. If it works for billion-dollar companies, it can work for you.
