The Power of Suggestion

Whether we like it or not we are influenced by what those around us say and do, and what Google and YouTube et al, TV advertising and podcasting, device-driven social media, or even a trip to the supermarket will ‘present’ to us, it is almost continuous. It has become hard to tell truth from deceit, or fact from fiction, amidst the abuse of our ‘freedom of speech’ and overwhelming and daily news coverage and competitive, invasive delivery.

As human nature becomes even more manipulatable and events that influence our perception of life in our societies are occurring daily – the first steps in how to recognise misinformation or disruptive statement and misleading opinion are straightforward enough (1. Be more aware) it can be detrimental to allow or depend on the ‘AI’s to provide fact-checked news, well-balanced analysis, data, stats, educated opinion and proper feedback.

1. Tune in to the moment. This is good advice for just about anything. But as with so many things, awareness is required to help us identify the suggestions that are coming our way in the first place. If you are not aware of the messages you’re sending or receiving from others, it’s tough to counteract the negative suggestions you hear. So tune into what’s going on around you. Get more curious, and the suggestions that could influence you will be easier to spot. Then you can give special attention to those that are most helpful or encouraging.

2. Create a network of support. Identify the people that believe in you and stay close to them. Psychologists have shown that we are influenced by both deliberate and non-deliberate suggestions. How people talk to us—their gestures, tones, and implications—matter just as much as their words. Positive influence begets positive suggestions. Think about whom you spend the most time with, and make sure that they bring positive energy—that alone will help to create more positive outcomes in your life.

Think too about how your behavior is suggestive. When you are interacting with others (or, especially, parenting), you are making non-deliberate suggestions with your body language, attitude, and attention. These subtle suggestions can build people up and inspire them—or tear them down, all without you saying a word. 

3. Maintain a flexible mindset. When we are locked into a fixed mindset we tend to take failure personally and see little opportunity for improvement. This is limiting. Better to remain open to any outcome, and when suggestions or influences come into your life, consider those that take you closer to your goals. With flexible thinking ou continue to learn, grow, and improve, and draw things into your life that will influence your progress. 

4. Understand that the power of suggestion is always working. If you expect something to happen—if someone or something suggests to you a specific outcome—your expectations of that outcome play a major role in its occurrence. The expectation or suggestion alone, often unconsciously, changes your behavior and your responses to help bring into reality the outcome you are expecting

The four points on suggestion are from Polly Campbell who speaks and writes about success, resilience, and personal development. She is the author of Imperfect Spirituality.