Believe You Have It

Did you ever sit in a roomful of yawning people without yawning yourself? If you have, power to you. If you yawned too, it may be due to what we call the power of suggestion--your perception of reality that's influenced by the people around you.

Of course, you can suggest your own perceptions too. I'm having that trouble with driving--especially winter driving--because of a few bad experiences on the road. (Plus, winter driving is hard, no matter who's doing it--but there I go, suggesting again).

I'm also a hypochondriac, so I need to be careful with what I hear about people's illnesses. If I'm not careful, I can "get" whatever they have. Plus, there is actual research that shows that the power of suggestion really does influence how we deal with things like diseases, medicine, behavior choices, relationships and a whole lot more.

This week I was talking to a functional medicine doctor who encouraged me to tap into the "power of my mind." I did a little reading this weekend and found there is actually something known as "response expectancy" which colors our anticipation of a situation--and then plays out as we expect. What does that mean?

I think it means if someone tells you the driving is treacherous on a particular stretch of road, or your new boss is a bear or that you can't get an A in so-and-so's class, you are likely to expect that to happen and act in ways that make the suggestions come true.

On the other hand, if you think you're a good enough driver (or better than you used to be) or your boss will be supportive if you try new things or you'll do well in a particular class, that's much more likely to happen too. As a friend likes to say, "Believe you have it and you have it." (Yeah, I know he didn't make that up.)

The trick is to come up with more positive expectations than negative ones. For example (I says to myself), think about your medication working or about the manuscript you just sent out getting published. This may work better for your children if you're the kind of parent who suggests positive outcomes. Hopefully, then, you can do it for yourself.

I know all this is a lot easier said than done, so included some articles I found, including that response expectancy idea:

4 Ways the Power of Suggestion Can Change Your Life

The Power of Suggestion

How to Use the Power of Suggestion to Your Advantage


All I can say is keep trying--because, yes, I really believe this--good things are out there--waiting for you.

Mind Power Photo: Sarah

P. S. - if you're in the Twin Cities next weekend, stop by the Twin Cities Book Festival between 1:30 and 3:30 on October 12 at the Minnesota Author Project table and say hello! I'll be there because The Beat on Ruby's Street was chosen as one of three finalists in the Y/A category. Can I suggest you'll have a great time if you go? :)