Let’s explore some tips that will help you hypnotize those around you, making them “listen to everything you say.”
Each of us is a unique individual, and no two people are alike. However, you may have encountered individuals in life who possess the ability to “manipulate” others with just a few words or actions.
Why do they always seem to know how to lead and take charge in work, study, or even in daily life? Particularly, why do you sometimes feel as if they have a magical power to hypnotize and brainwash those around them?
In an attempt to understand this, you might have tried to imitate their words and actions, but never succeeded in doing the same. So what are the real tricks behind this special and miraculous ability?
What is Psychological Manipulation?
Psychological manipulation is a deliberate act by an individual or group to control or influence the emotions, thoughts, or actions of others. This can be carried out in various ways, including threats, deceit, coercion, insults, attacks, and criticism. Psychological manipulation can lead to numerous negative consequences for both the manipulator and the target, especially in social and emotional relationships.
From the “Progress Effect”…
The trick of “manipulating psychology” originates from a psychological theory known as the progress effect. Most of us have experienced this effect at least a few times in our lives.
Mastering the progress effect can turn it into your strength.
Simply put, while pursuing our goals, we often set various small objectives. Each time we achieve a small goal, we tend to feel excited and motivated, working harder to achieve the larger objective. This is the essence of the progress effect.
By mastering this effect, you can easily turn it into your advantage. If you want someone to do something they initially don’t like, use this trick to “lure” them into completing the task willingly.
…to the Steps of the “Brain Manipulation” Trick
The first step in this trick is to apply the philosophy of “the carrot and the stick.” In other words, offer the person you want to influence a “carrot” – rewards or gifts.
A classic example is how businesses “brainwash” their customers using promotional cards, reward points, etc. These entice customers to pay more attention to the products, whether they purchase them or not.
At work, after offering the “carrot,” you should be the one to initiate the task you want others to carry out.
The combination of “the carrot and the stick” is the key to “brainwashing” others.
Just invite your target to work alongside you, completing the first part of the task together, then leave it unfinished. According to psychologists, this unfinished work acts like a “stick” in their minds, constantly urging them to complete it.
Additionally, this response is known as the Zeigarnik effect, which indicates that people tend to remember uncompleted tasks better than completed ones.
This is similar to how restaurants often issue reward cards divided into multiple visits for customers. This trick makes customers think about dining at the restaurant again to exchange their points for a free meal.
The second step to control minds is to break down tasks and provide numerous free rewards. According to psychologists, the most important factor in attempting to “hypnotize” others is patience throughout a long process.
During this process, you need to continually provide motivation for the person you are “brainwashing.”
To control minds, break tasks into smaller free rewards.
Evidence comes from an experiment conducted on diners who enjoy eating out. One restaurant issued two types of reward cards: one requiring 12 visits with 2 initial rewards, and the other requiring 15 visits with 5 initial rewards.
Surprisingly, most diners chose the second card, even though both types required 10 visits. This proves the allure of “free carrots,” even if they don’t hold much value.
Sales campaigns are a prime example of applying manipulation techniques.
The third step should be applied when obstacles arise in the work. If you’re not careful, the target may become discouraged and give up, leading to your failure.
However, continuously show them that the final outcome is very close; they just need to overcome the obstacles to achieve instant success.
The repetition of the ultimate reward image will imprint in their minds, turning work difficulties into motivation for them to continue being “led by the nose” by you.
Always plant beautiful, happy images of achieving goals in your target’s mind!
The fourth and final step to completely master someone else’s mind is to always associate each reason with a beautiful, lofty appeal.
This philosophy is extensively applied by entrepreneurs, especially when implementing promotional programs. Instead of advertising that purchasing multiple items will grant a free product, you should make customers feel it is “a token of our appreciation to you.”
Few realize that such wording will make the target more complacent and susceptible to being “brainwashed.”
The last thing to remember is to use these tricks for the right purposes!
Ways to Avoid Psychological Manipulation
Once you recognize the signs of psychological manipulation, you need to find ways to keep yourself from being manipulated. Here are 5 ways to avoid psychological manipulation:
Recognize and Observe Your Emotions
To prevent yourself from being psychologically manipulated, you need to recognize and pay attention to your emotions. When you realize you are feeling stressed, anxious, or fearful in a certain situation, pause and reassess that situation. Ask yourself: “Who is making me feel this way? Why am I feeling this way?”
Listen
One of the most effective ways to avoid psychological manipulation is to listen. Pay attention to what others are saying and try to understand their perspectives. Meanwhile, keep yourself calm and in control of your emotions.
Set Clear Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries is one of the most effective ways to keep yourself from being psychologically manipulated. Clearly define your limits and do not allow others to cross these boundaries.
State Your Position Clearly
When engaging in a debate or discussion, clearly and decisively state your position. This will help you avoid the psychological manipulation tactics of others and keep you confident during the exchange of ideas.
Respecting and Loving Yourself
Ultimately, to keep yourself from being psychologically manipulated, you need to respect and love yourself. Remember that you are a valuable person and deserve to be respected. If you do not love and respect yourself, others will easily manipulate and control you.
*This article is based on the perspective of Esther Inglis-Arkell published on Io9.com.
