Influencing Yourself

Influence and Persuasion: Why You Buy What You Buy

In a time of economic uncertainty, people tend to tighten their purse strings, only purchasing what’s needed. What’s great about that is most people in our society don’t buy what they need, they buy what they want. Don’t believe me? That’s fine. May I ask you a question?

How many people do you know who drive expensive, luxurious SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade ($50,000)? I humbly submit to you that they didn’t “need” that expensive of an automobile, they wanted it. They wanted the feelings of luxury, power, accomplishment, and uniqueness that come from driving such a wonderfully made vehicle. However, I also submit to you that they give themselves the permission to feel that way after buying that automobile, when in actuality they could’ve decided to feel those emotions without the price tag.

What that means is, we have been conditioned by advertisers to believe that in order to feel a certain way, we have to buy their clients’ clothes, cars, and jewelry. Is there anything wrong with that? You’ll have to answer that question. I simply wanted to shed some light on the fact that you can feel anyway you want, when you want, and without drugs. lol

Am I suggesting that you stop buying what you want, and only buy what you need? Absolutely not! However, I am advising you to decide to feel good now, whether you have what you want or not. It’s your choice. Isn’t it?

With your success in mind,

Ron

Achieving What You Want in 2010

Happy New Year!

Here we are beginning a new year and a new decade. As a result, you – like so many other people – probably decided on resolutions to reach higher heights in some area of life that matters. For instance, you might have chosen to improve your health, increase your wealth, better your relationships, or sharpen your skills. No matter what area you picked, I wonder if you are still going for it. The reason I wonder is research shows that 95% of the population that resolved to effect positive change in their lives this year quit pursuing the change by January 15th.

Why People Quit

Why do people quit? The simplistic explanation is pain. As human beings we are hard-wired to do more to avoid pain than to gain pleasure. What’s fascinating is the pain is rarely based in reality. How do I know?
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Subconscious Tools of Influence

Listen to David Lorenzo, partner at the Gallup Organization and I as we discuss scientifically proven tools of influence that move people to make decisions in their best interest and yours. Enjoy!
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Subconscious Tools of Influence [ 15:19 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2289)

How Leaders Successfully Influence Subordinates Without Intimidation

Back in April of this year, I had the privilege of interviewing Mark Altman, author of “Leadership for All The Mountains You Climb While Loving the View.” During that interview I became more bonded to Mark because of his viewpoint about effective leadership. Why? He epitomes the heart of a servant leader!

On Monday, I listened to that interview again and felt compelled to share it with you here in case you hadn’t listened to it yet. I highly recommend grabbing a pen and paper to jot down this man’s wisdom. By the way, I’ve provided an image of the book below which has my Amazon affiliate link integrated in it. Enjoy!
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Social Influence Gone Bad

After watching the video, did you say to yourself, “I would’ve stood my ground and continued giving the correct answer.” If you said that to yourself, or something similar, I’m not surprised. I’ve heard similar statements from others that have seen or heard me describe the scenario in the video. I certainly told myself with absolute certainty that’s what I would have done. The reason I would’ve done so, and I’m assuming your reason’s the same, is I wouldn’t lie. In particular, it is due to the fact that the scenario is based on such a trivial circumstance.

But, what about a circumstance that isn’t trivial? How about one that pertains to our health and well-being? Stick with me here.
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Seven Men With Long Lasting Influence

In years past, like me, you have witnessed the ascension of a few men to worldwide prominence. Each man impacted the lives of many in ways that led to new thoughts, actions, and results. As a matter of fact, you can probably remember the exact words specific men eloquently spoke many years ago that shifted your perspective about important issues. As I approach my 45th birthday, I decided to share the words of men who dramatically shifted my outlook regarding life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

By the way, I numbered this list for simplicity’s sake, not to convey that one man impacted me anymore or less than the other. With that in mind, enjoy the words of men who have left a mark that cannot be erased on the lives of countless people around the globe.

1. “It’s not what happens, it’s what you do that makes the difference.”
-Jim Rohn

2. “We need men who can dream of things that never were.”
-John F. Kennedy

3. “Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress. With it there is accomplishment. Without it there are only alibis.”
-Henry Ford

4. “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
-Sir Isaac Newton

5. “A coward dies a thousand deaths and courageous man only one.”
-William Shakespeare

6. “If a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

7. As you can see, I decided to include a video that includes the words of the seventh man that I believe has long lasting influence. As you watch it, I hope that it will impact your thinking about what it may take for you to achieve your life’s ambitions. Ready? Press play.

In closing, I want you to know that I believe you are capable of accomplishing more than your heart’s desire. The key is strengthening your resolve to bring your vision to pass during incredibly tough times. How do you do it? “When you believe in a thing, believe in it implicitly and unquestionably.” -Walt Disney

With your success in mind,

Ron Hudson

Influence Happens in a Moment

On any given day of our lives, we will find ourselves facing a myriad of circumstances that range from mostly routine to extraordinary. No matter what the circumstance, we will quickly distinguish where it falls within that range and respond accordingly. However, our immediate response will be the result of the following three components that continually influence human behavior in a moment:

1) Internal representations: First, let me restate this Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) terminology in two easily understood words that helped me instantly understand the meaning of the term. Mental Focus. Think about what that means.

I’m curious. What did you picture in your mind while considering that statement? If you didn’t picture anything, what did you say to yourself? You see, thinking consist of focusing on the images and sounds in your mind. Depending on what images you’re seeing in your mind or sounds/words you’re hearing, you will feel a certain emotion.

For example, think back now to a time in your life when you felt incredibly happy and confident. What comes to mind for you? What are you seeing and hearing internally? Hold onto that thought and make what you’re seeing… brighter, bigger, and closer. Now, while you’re seeing this in your mind, begin to turn up the volume of the sounds. How do you feel now?

I wonder how you would respond to someone cutting you off in traffic while you’re feeling incredibly happy and confident? I humbly predict you would respond/behave differently than you would if you were feeling sick and irritable. I’m also willing to risk assuming that, in the past, even when you have felt sick and irritable, you were still able to treat others courteously. Am I right? You see, you have always had the power to influence the way you feel and behave in the moment. Sure, it takes practice! And, it’s not easy all the time, but it’s worth it.

Let’s back up for a moment to the opening sentence of this post. Specifically, the part where I wrote about the myriad of circumstances that we all face on a daily basis. Inevitably, we will have all types of circumstances occur in our lives but it doesn’t matter what happens, what matters is how we respond. That reminds of a phrase I’ve heard Tony Robbins say many times, “It’s not what happens, it’s what you do that makes the difference.”

Before you read about the other two components that always influence human behavior, I’d like you to watch the following video to discover how advertisers use images and sounds to influence our behavior. Are you ready? Press the play button now.

Welcome back! How do you feel? If you use what you are learning in this post, you can feel this way whenever you want! Isn’t that exciting news?

What’s the next component?
2) Physiology: That’s a nerdy word for describing your physical body. Yes, I’m a nerd at heart. I digress. The condition that your body is in at any given moment dramatically impacts your feelings and behavior. In fact, it is the best component to start with when we want to change the way we feel and behave. Do you want to have some fun? Play along with me. Okay?

As you’re sitting there reading these words, put a big silly grin on your face, throw your hands in the air, and fully extend your arms like athletes or actors do after winning an award. How do you feel? Feels good, doesn’t it? How long did that take? A moment? Now, I want you to add…

3) Language: Say out loud what you would say, if you had won an award or an all expenses paid trip to that place you’ve been dreaming of, plus $10,000 cash! By now, you should be feeling really good. Do you not?

You see, mastering the ability to influence others will lead to success, but mastering influencing yourself will lead to success, happiness, and fulfillment. Good news is, it can happen in a moment!

Wishing you incredible success,

Ron
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