How to Use the Power of Suggestion For Your Benefit...

Ever noticed how certain people's names are a perfect match for their profession?

I'll never forget an insurance adjustor named Karen Settle.

Or our cockapoo's veterinarian whose last name is Shepherd;

Of course, how can I forget my son's orthodontist, Dr. Bracy. (1)

I believe these examples are proof of the Power of Suggestion.

In fact, Psychological Scientists Garry, Michael and Kirsch found,

Deliberate suggestions can influence

how well people remember things,

how they respond to medical treatments,

and even how they'll behave. (2)

According to HuffPost blogger Polly Campbell,

The way we anticipate our response to a situation influences how we will actually respond...

If something is suggested or you expect an outcome, your behaviors, thoughts, and reactions will actually contribute to making that expectation occur. (3)

Campbell recommends developing an awareness of the suggestions coming our way.

Without an awareness of the messages we receive from others, it will be very difficult to counteract them with conscious suggestions of more positive scenarios. (4)

Given the Power of Suggestion, isn't it time we start using it for our benefit?

I can't think of a better way to deliver suggestions than through our self-talk. In fact, author Richard Cavaness says,

The thoughts you think and the words you say physically and chemically change your brain, which literally wires your brain to succeed or fail.

Cavaness goes on to say self-talk,

Helps to paint a new picture of who you’re choosing to become. 

Your brain will work hardest at helping you achieve those things that you can most clearly imagine.

Job Seeker's and the Power of Suggestion

This is why I tell job seekers to write detailed Achievement Stories (5) and then, reread these stories throughout their job search.

When you remind yourself of all of the great things you've done, it's easier to regain the confidence that is frequently lost when we're out of work. Rereading these achievements also makes it easier to convince hiring managers of the wisdom in hiring us.

Think Talking to Yourself is Weird?

If you think talking to yourself is weird, consider these words from Dr. Jason Selk, director of mental training for the 2011 World Series Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals and star business coach Tom Bartow

Since self-image is determined by what you consistently say to yourself about yourself,

You have the power to direct your self-image by directing your self-talk...

And an improved self-image is the linchpin of not only a fun and fulfilling life, but a productive one as well. (6)

*****

Clark Finnical is a Career Expert and author. Clark's first book, Job Hunting Secrets (from someone who's been there), was published in 2017. LinkedIn Strategies to Take Your Career to the Next Level was published last year.

Feel free to send me a LinkedIn invite if we're not connected.

First Photo by Caleb Jones on Unsplash

Second Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Third Photo by William Felker on Unsplash

Fourth Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash

Fifth Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash

(1) There is even a scientific term for this phenomenon called Nominative Determinism. For more info check out the Wikipedia write-up. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nominative_determinism

(2) Polly Campbell Use the Power of Suggestion to Move Ahead https://www.huffpost.com/entry/power-of-suggestion_b_3398584

(3) Polly Campbell

(4) Polly Campbell

(5) Job Hunting Secrets (from someone who's been there) Clark Finnical Pages 56 - 72.

(6) Why Science Says You Should Talk to Yourself, Aaron Orendorff https://www.getresponse.com/blog/science-says-talk