Let’s review some master tricks that can help you “hypnotize” those around you, making them listen to your every command.
Each of us is a unique individual. However, you have undoubtedly encountered people who possess the ability to “manipulate” others through just a few words or actions.
Why do they always know how to lead—to become the head of a team at work, in school, or simply in daily life? Why do they sometimes seem to possess a magical ability to hypnotize and “brainwash” those around them?
You may have tried to imitate their words and actions to understand them, but you could never replicate the results. So, what are the real secrets behind this special and remarkable ability?
What is Psychological Manipulation?
Psychological manipulation is a deliberate action by a person or group to control or influence the emotions, thoughts, or actions of others. Psychological manipulation can be carried out in many ways, from threats, deception, and coercion to insults, attacks, and criticism. Psychological manipulation can have many negative consequences for the manipulator and the victim, especially in social and emotional relationships.
From the “Progress Effect”…
The secret to “psychological manipulation” originates from a psychological theory called the Progress Effect. Most of us have experienced this effect at least a few times in our lives.
The Progress Effect is a psychological principle that can be leveraged. When pursuing a larger goal, we often set various smaller objectives. Every time a small objective is completed, people feel excited and motivated, pushing them to work harder toward the main goal. That is the Progress Effect.
By mastering this effect, you can turn it into your strength. If you want others to do something they initially dislike, you can apply this trick to “lure” them into completing the task willingly.
…To the Steps of “Brain Manipulation”
The first step in this technique is applying the philosophy of the “Carrot and Stick.” In other words, you give the person you want to “brainwash” the “carrot”—rewards or gifts.
A typical example is how businesses “brainwash” their customers with promotional offers and loyalty points. These incentives stimulate customers to be more interested in the product, whether they buy it or not.
In a work context, after offering the “carrot,” you should start the work you want the other person to do.
You just need to invite the subject to work with you, complete the first part of the task with them, and then leave it unfinished. According to psychological experts, the unfinished nature of the task acts as the “stick” in their mind, constantly urging the subject to finish it.
This reaction is also known as the Zeigarnik Effect, which suggests that people tend to remember incomplete tasks better than completed ones.
This is similar to how restaurants often give customers loyalty cards that require multiple visits. This trick makes customers feel compelled to dine at the restaurant again so they can redeem the points for a free meal.
Step 2: Breaking Down Tasks and Offering More Free Rewards
The second step in controlling the mind is to break down tasks and offer the subject more free rewards. According to psychologists, the most important factor in “hypnotizing” others is patience over a long process.
Throughout this process, you need to continuously provide motivation to the person you are “brainwashing.”
This is evidenced by the results of an experiment conducted on restaurant customers. A restaurant issued two types of stamp cards: one required 12 stamps and offered 2 free stamps in advance, and the other required 15 stamps and offered 5 free stamps in advance.
Surprisingly, most customers chose the second card, even though the number of meals they needed to purchase was the same (10). This demonstrates the appeal of “free carrots,” even when they hold little actual value.
Step 3: Overcoming Obstacles
The third step must be applied when obstacles arise in the task. If you are not careful, the hypnotized subject will become discouraged and give up, leading to your failure.
However, you must continuously show them that the final result is very close and that success is immediate once they overcome the obstacle.
The repeated visualization of the final reward will imprint on their mind, turning the difficulty of the task into motivation and keeping the subject under your influence.
Step 4: Always Frame Reasons Beautifully
The fourth and final step to fully mastering someone’s mind is to always frame every reason with a beautiful, uplifting narrative, no matter how difficult the task is.
This philosophy is applied rigorously by business people, especially in sales promotions. Instead of advertising that buying more items will get you a free product, you should make the buyer feel that it is “a token of our appreciation to you.”
Few realize that these phrases make the subject complacent and easier to “brainwash.”
The last thing to remember: use these secrets only for good purposes!
How to Avoid Psychological Manipulation
Once you recognize the signs of psychological manipulation, you need to find ways to protect yourself from it. Here are five ways to avoid psychological manipulation:
1. Recognize and Pay Attention to Your Emotions
To protect yourself from psychological manipulation, you need to recognize and pay attention to your emotions. When you realize you feel stressed, anxious, or fearful in a situation, stop and reevaluate it. Ask yourself: “Who is making me feel this way? Why do I feel this way?”
2. Listen
One of the most effective ways to avoid psychological manipulation is to listen. Listen to what others are saying and try to understand their perspective. While doing so, remain calm and control your emotions.
3. Set Clear Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from psychological manipulation. Clearly define your limits and do not allow others to cross them.
4. State Your Position Clearly
When participating in a debate or discussion, state your position clearly and decisively. This will help you avoid the manipulative tactics of others and maintain your confidence during the exchange of ideas.
5. Respect and Love Yourself
Finally, to protect yourself from psychological manipulation, you must respect and love yourself. Remember that you are a valuable person and deserve respect. If you do not love and respect yourself, others will easily manipulate and control you.
