There is no greater wealth in life than peace of mind. Manipulation is one of the most powerful factors that breaks that peace and darkens your image of the world. Each of us is more or less vulnerable to manipulators. How to be yourself and not succumb to the attempts of others to mislead you, will tell Alexander Korol, a Russian writer and philosopher.
It is important to remember one of the main principles – you cannot react to everything and agree with what they try to impose on you. “There must be a logical sequence in each action. For example, if a person tries to advise you on a shampoo, he must explain to you why his offer is better than your choice. It is important here not to rush to take decisions, but think carefully and weigh all the pros and cons. Don’t be embarrassed to ask someone to explain to you what motivated their choice”, explains the expert. Through questions and attempts to clarify the situation, you break the unconscious chain of manipulation.
Begin
Talk on the phone
image source: freepik.com
“Often people subconsciously treat themselves to something, not realizing that it may be a suppression of someone else’s idea and will. For example, your friend says this restaurant is awful, you tell your friend about it, and she tells her friend, and as a result, no one gets into the thick of it – a chain of manipulation begins, “says Alexander Korol.
In order not to get confused and not succumb to manipulation, you should always ask questions, try to find out more than what is offered to you. You should always be aware of what the person expects of you. Such a serious approach can help not only in everyday business, but also in work.
Sobriety of thinking
Before starting a business or investing in the proposed idea, you need to immerse yourself in the meaning of the proposal. Alexander Korol offers several universal questions that can clarify any situation and “isolate” attempts to tilt you in any direction:
- Why can’t those who proposed it implement it themselves? – – – Why do they/do they need me? – Why invest in this resource (or in others)? – What will I get as a result?
Balance
Image source: @freepik/freepik.com
According to the expert, one of the powerful catalysts that manipulators use to achieve their goal is pity. Describing any situation, the manipulator will definitely say that without your participation, one of the participants in the situation will suffer; will create the appearance that someone’s well-being depends on you (the team at work / close people / homeless animals / the planet – underline if necessary).
Look soberly at such attempts to induce emotions (it can be not only pity, but also, for example, fear or guilt) and do not react to such provocations. You are not the culprit of other people’s problems, so you should not correct the situation if you do not have such a desire.
It is also important to remember that the manipulator “hunts” only for his own benefit. The one who is manipulated, as a rule, remains disappointed or hurt by something. Do not allow unnecessary reasons for disappointment and discontent to appear in your life.
