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
Ron, I love the new look of your site. I also loved this post.
Most of this stuff we know instinctively but do not leverage it for those times that we want to take control back of our experiences of what is going on around us.
I love that you broke it down so simply and easily.
What powerful information to deliberately create the outcome that you desire.
Thanks
Iyabo Asani
http://AuthenticChangeCoach.com
Ron,
Thanks for taking the time to remind us what we sometimes tend to forget.
Great examples to incorporate into our lives, our business’s and into the people we meet.
And the best part is, it doesn’t matter what has occured up to this moment. Because we can change or “influence what happens in a moment”.
Thanks again!
John Panico
http://twitter.com/johnpanico
Hello Ron! I have a question for you. What happens when someone you did not influence later flamed you cos you told on her friend?
Currently I am ignoring her and handling things pretty well as if she did not exist. She’s vile and mad now. Even posted a blog calling me a snake, and 2 readers SHEEP.
How would you handle it?
I wrote something which I have simply saved and not sent to anyone yet (for your enjoyment):
A little note: Fellow-blogger XXXXX on here had refered to Quackwatch.org calling Dr. Mercola a fraudster and unfortunately she was later ‘boombazzled’ by supporters of Dr. Mercola leading to her complaint about me because I had told emailed one of her ‘friends’ that she had unethically rated my friends’ blog entries on here (I had received an email informing me she did it.)
I don’t think anyone needs to do “my bidding” – all of us are adults who can rationalise, right? I am sorry XXXX that your friend had decided to confront you with the email I wrote to him. I am glad he decided to remain here in our blogging community – I do not and have never unethically rated anyone else’s blog entries including his – as you have accused me to do. But you, yes you were accused because of your harsh comments to others.
And I admit I suffer from a disorder (but I assure you it’s not what you called madness) mentioned by Prof. T. Collins Campbells.
Let’s not call visitors on here by animal names, lest this place becomes a zoo, not that I don’t love animals! Meeeeh! Time to sing Old MacDonald has a Farm…yee-ai-yee-ai-oh!
Ron,
I really like your post here. I found your site last week with the 50 most influential women in Social Media and finally decided to comment on your work.
I like what you say here. Most people are always trying to influence other people to do what they want, but what’s more important is being able to influence yourself. Great advice.
I’ll keep reading your posts.
Brian
cleverwebtech.com
Ron,
Loving the new blog layout! And the content is very positive. This post happens to mean something to me since the last three days I have come across NLP in some way. Its telling me something since it happened in 3′s. Glad I stopped by, it had been a while with all the other reading I’ve been doing on the web.
Cheers!
Not that I’m totally impressed, but this is more than I expected when I found a link on Delicious telling that the info is quite decent. Thanks.
Cheers to you, Nakeva! Thanks for investing time to stop, read my post, and comment. Oh wait! You also sign into Google Friend Connect. Again, thanks!
Glad you found me Brian! You’ve been true to your word about continuing to read my post, haven’t you? In addition to that, you’ve been commenting as well. I love it!
Thanks Brian,
Ron
Hi Iyabo,
Glad you like, no, love the new look! I love it too.
One of my passions is simplifying profound concepts in to easily understood and actionable info.
Thanks for stopping by to check out the new look, read my post, and comment!
When i visit a blog, chances are that I see that the construction is poor and the writting bad. Regarding your blog,I could honestly say that you writting is decent and your website solid.