Hypnosis is not a closely held secret mastered by Las Vegas stage shows. Hypnosis is a simple state of mind that you make use of every day. After reading the next few paragraphs, I think you’ll see what I mean.

Hypnosis is NOT a secret power. It’s NOT a special Jedi mind state. It’s just the method your mind uses to access your emotions, memories, and learned behaviors. It generally feels relaxing, mellow and focused. But, can also feel distracting, angry, stressed, and depressed. That depends on your current mental state.

Hypnosis is used on most of us very effectively by politicians, and advertising executives. And used poorly by most “pre-owned” car salesman. And yes, it’s used on you by friends and family. And yes, you use it on them too.

Hypnosis is in use when your critical faculty is bypassed. Analytical reason is set aside, or completely bypassed, in favor of emotional behavior Emotional behaviors are quicker and more consistent from person to person. So, more likely to elicit a predictable response. Like when you’re driving and you hear a horn honk behind you. What is your immediate emotional behavior response? Guilt? Anger? Fear? The honking horn may not even be directed at you. The honking horn was honked with the intention of eliciting a rapid response, and it usually does. Sounds complicated until you start seeing how common it is.

If you’re driving home from work and someone cuts you off in traffic, you might be irritated. The fourth person to cut you off on that same trip home? The fourth guy didn’t do anything different than the first guy. Unless you’re the nicest person in the world, odds are you’re MUCH more irritated. That’s emotional association controlling your reaction.

Things like this are constantly happening around you, and everyone else. Many so minor you don’t even notice. Unnoticed until you try to change them. You might experience that as fighting a craving or urge. You’re likely aware that habits are formed in this way, but may not understand how powerful this can be and what a large influence on your life it can have.

When a strong emotional connection is made with a trigger, and then combined with repetition and the influence of an authority figure (like a basketball star), the learned belief can be very strong. That can make it more difficult to change. You can call this brand loyalty.

Look at all the ways your life is guided by outside influence. The food you eat (and how much food you eat), the car you drive, the clothes you wear. The bad habits you have, as well as the good habits. You probably have more habits created unintentionally than intentionally.

Once you start seeing the key elements of behavior creation, you will better understand yourself and others. Hopefully, if you have a habit you’re having trouble changing, you can be less frustrated. You’re fighting your own mind’s nature after all. Most importantly, know the habit CAN be changed. If you aren’t able to do it yourself, find a trustworthy professional to help you. I recommend finding a good hypnotist.