“What’s the difference? You know they way I work, I’m like a commercial jingle. First it’s a little irritating, then you hear it a few times, you hum it in the shower, by the third date it’s “By Mennen!” -George Costanza, Episode 142, The Chicken Roaster

I love every Seinfeld episode, this one particularly. As part of the plot, George sings his own last name in the same key as the “By Mennon” jingle. Eventually, it gets completely lodged into your brain.

I like this tactic, and often find myself singing random words aloud in the same key — although I mostly just receive strange looks in return.

This week I’ve read several articles touting the power of a personal slogan or mantra, whether to gain motivation on long distance runs or engage in a successful conversations at work. It seems that establishing your own MO is an important factor in success.

I have no idea if it really works, but I’m willing to try it out. Even if it doesn’t work, it’s still cheaper than a sable Russian hat from the J. Peterman catalog.