It Wasn't Me... It Was Cheep Cheep!

One sunny morning, I was minding my own business—ah, what a beautiful morning, when a not-so-close friend yelled excitedly, "Y'all check gold prices today? Huh?"

As a 40-year-old man who takes his financial matters seriously, I grabbed my phone. A quick swipe, a search, and boom, I was at the jewelry store buying ingots.

To me, it seemed smart. But according to my wife (who's studied psychology and persuasion for over two decades), it wasn't brilliant. (This feedback was, of course, tailored to preserve my dignity.)

After her lecture on my impulsiveness, I responded with a "Cheep-Cheep." Big mistake. She got so mad she threw something at me!

Later, peace offerings in hand (creamy brownies and milk), I explained why I'd "Cheep-Cheeped" at her...

The Disturbing Truth About "Cheep-Cheep"

That sound is what baby turkeys make after hatching. Cute? Not even close.

While most animals nurture their young instinctively, mother turkeys are different. If a chick doesn't "Cheep-Cheep" immediately after hatching? Abandoned. Left to die. Brutal.

Here's the crazy part: Show her a polecat (her natural predator) making that sound, and she'll mother it. Meanwhile, a real chick dies for missing one simple sound.

Mirror, Mirror: Are We Any Better?

We do the same thing, not literally (thankfully), but in how we consume and act. How often has a:

• Triggering image

• Persuasive voice

• Compelling video
  made you buy something on impulse?

I get it—we're all vulnerable. That pizza slice? Irresistible. That thing you swore you wouldn't do? Suddenly reasonable when the right trigger appears.

Take yours truly: buying gold impulsively because some guy I don't even like got me with endless "invest now!" content.

Wake-Up Call

You're not just what you consume—your actions are its direct product.

Next time you feel that impulse:

1. Pause

2. Ask "Is this me—or Cheep Cheep talking?"

3. Breathe before acting

The turkey in us all is strong... but you're smarter than a bird brain.