Do you know what the pecking order is? In the 1920s, Norwegian zoologist Thorleif Schjelderup-Ebbe found that barnyard chickens created a strict hierarchy. The strongest and healthiest chickens occupied the top positions and had priority in accessing food. By contrast, the weakest had to wait for their turn to eat.

This behavior is characteristic of many animals. For instance, lobsters compete to secure the most favorable hiding spots. These fights lead to winners having a higher serotonin level, influencing the posture of lobsters. Defeated lobsters usually curl up, whereas winners take up an upright stance. As a result, victorious lobsters appear more intimidating, while the defeated ones are forced into submission.

Humans also follow a similar pattern of winners and losers. Our brains are wired for awareness of hierarchy. We perceive ourselves and other people in terms of status. Just like lobsters, we are in a constant process of comparing ourselves to others. Moreover, we often associate an individual's intelligence with their physical characteristics.

Speaking of those who emerge as winners, their body language becomes more assertive, propelling them toward new victories. Their self-confidence makes people treat them better. On the other hand, people with a low self-perception tend to slouch. They approach life with a belief that they are going to fail.

To gain an edge, follow the cardinal rule: hold your head high to come across as a winner. Remember, bad posture signals low self-esteem. So carry yourself with self-respect, and you’ll notice a respectful attitude from others.