What is Autosuggestion?
What is autosuggestion?
Autosuggestion is the purposeful use of directed self-talk with the intention of improving your emotional state and personal performance.
Autosuggestion is the act of identifying any hazardous, disempowering thoughts you may have about a particular situation, and then consciously overwriting and replacing them with new, positive "scripts" that are more conducive to a better result.
Autosuggestion is done by consciously repeating specially written affirmations, (self-instructions) that act to condition your mind to perceive situations in more empowering ways, and thus improve the way you feel and respond.
Why does autosuggestion work?
Autosuggestion works because both your emotions and your actions are controlled by your thoughts. Not all thoughts are empowering; you have a mixture of both empowering and disempowering thoughts.
Disempowering thoughts are those that cause you to feel fear, trepidation, anxiousness, self-doubt and worry. As a result, you feel bad and perform poorly.
Empowering thoughts are those that cause you to feel courage, confidence, optimism, self-assurance and certainty. As a result, you feel good and perform well.
What is an example of auto suggestion?
Imagine a father who must make a speech at his daughter's wedding, but who is nervous because he is terrified of public speaking. His fearful reaction emanates from the thoughts he repeats to himself, whenever he imagines what he thinks will happen when he makes his speech. He thinks, "I will mess it up. I can't do it. They won't like me. I will forget my lines, I know I will. I will make myself a laughing stock. My daughter will be ashamed of me."
In order to change this reaction, he should purposefully write out a new script, that overwrites the bad scripts. He would then repeat the new script, hundreds of times, to drill into his mind the new way of interpreting the feared event.
The new script looks like this, "I am going to make a terrific speech. I'll take it slow and steady, and I will have fun. The guests will respond well because they are all friends and family and they are a very sympathetic group. It will go perfectly because I will be perfect".
The father "installs" the new script into his brain and as a result, he feels stronger and performs well.
How can I use auto suggestion?
You can use auto suggestion by taking the following steps.
1. Name the context or event that triggers a negative response.
2. Write down your current thoughts that come to mind whenever you imagine the event.
3. Notice how destructive the current "scripts" are and decide to eradicate them forever.
4. On a separate page, rewrite a more positive script, one that does not express how you feel about the event now, but rather, how you want to feel in the future.
5. Use highly emotional, positive and vibrant language to express a new positive evaluation of the feared event.
6. Work out reasons why the positive view is a plausible and logical way of looking at things.
7. When you are happy with the new script, read it aloud at least five times, and as you read it, try to visualise the meaning of the words in your imagination.
8. If you can, memorise the script.
9. At least five times every day, go over the new scripts; say them with as much force as you can muster. Don't worry that they are not "true". They will become "truer" as you repeat them over and over.
10. By dint of repetition, force your mind to accept the new programming and when it eventually does, (after about two weeks of effort) you will suddenly find yourself feeling good about the event and you will perform better.
11. When you have proved the system works in one area of your life, extend the principle to other areas and eliminate all unnecessary fears.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Personal Effectiveness
-
Do you know when to stop?
Do you know when it is time to stop arguing? Do you joke at other's expense? Are you inclined to eat or drink too much? Perhaps you are a workaholic. Whatever your weakness, it is important to know when to stop.
Read Article > -
How ARE you doing? What an excellent question
How are you doing? What an excellent question Last week, my friend greeted me with the question: "Hi, Chris, How are you doing?" The thought struck me "THAT is an important question": "How are you doing?" It is an excellent question I decided to do an experiment and note the various...
Read Article > -
The RAPID Method for Genuine Self-Esteem
Good mental health is based on achieving genuine self-esteem and self-confidence. The RAPID method helps achieve this by developing rational, active, purposeful, independent and disciplined minds.
Read Article > -
Personal effectiveness - Emotional intelligence training
Emotional intelligence has two major components. The first element of emotional intelligence training is developing the art of being able to manage your own emotions, so that you are able to achieve the optimum emotional response that is appropriate to the circumstances that face you. The second element of emotional intelligence...
Read Article > -
The Power of Personal Initiative
Personal initiative is a powerful thing, which everyone possesses. By using your initiative you will achieve success. But don't let procrastination get in the way of your personal initiative.
Read Article >
Looking for Personal Development Training?
If you're looking to develop your Personal Effectiveness Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 5 days, Online - Teams, places available