Autosuggestion is a psychological technique closely tied to the placebo effect and is often utilized in self-hypnosis. The method gained widespread recognition through the work of pharmacist Émile Coué in the early 20th century. He used self-induced suggestion to help patients heal themselves, sometimes even from severe illnesses, through the power of their own thoughts.
What is autosuggestion?
Autosuggestion involves using thoughts to influence emotions and behaviors. There are two primary types of autosuggestion:
Intentional autosuggestion: This is a deliberate effort where a person consciously focuses on specific thoughts, repeating them to create a desired mental state or behavior.
Unintentional autosuggestion: This occurs naturally through the internal dialogues we have with ourselves, shaping our decisions and emotions without deliberate effort.
Both forms of autosuggestion can be either positive or negative. For instance, if we continuously tell ourselves we’re tired, we will likely feel drained. This is an example of the nocebo effect—the opposite of the placebo effect, where negative expectations lead to negative outcomes.
On the flip side, by repeating positive affirmations, we can program our subconscious with empowering beliefs. One of Coué’s famous affirmations was: “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.”
The Coué method for autosuggestion
Coué’s technique relied on repeating rituals in a specific mental and physical state, much like modern operant conditioning or mental rehearsal techniques like anchoring, seen in NLP. He believed that true healing required changes within the subconscious, often facilitated through metaphors and visualization.
Beliefs and autosuggestion
A core principle of Coué’s method is that our thoughts shape reality—within the realm of possibility. While someone can’t will themselves to fly, they can influence things like controlling symptoms of illness if their beliefs support it. Negative beliefs, such as “I only have two months to live” or “I can’t achieve this goal,” act as barriers to healing and success.
The role of willpower
Coué found that willpower often hindered the effectiveness of autosuggestion. When people try too hard to force positive thoughts, it can have the opposite effect. Therefore, Coué emphasized surrendering to the process, allowing the subconscious mind to absorb positive suggestions without the interference of willpower.
Self-conflict and imagination
Coué also described a phenomenon known as self-conflict, where willpower and imagination are at odds. For example, the more you try to sleep, the more awake you become. He stressed that imagination, not willpower, should be the focus in achieving desired outcomes.
Coué’s “trick”
Coué referred to his method as a simple “trick” that empowered patients to heal themselves. He never claimed to cure anyone directly; rather, his techniques helped individuals activate their own self-healing processes, much like the placebo effect in action.
Autosuggestion and hypnosis
Coué’s approach shares similarities with hypnosis, particularly the use of relaxation techniques, such as autogenic training. These methods, which lower brainwaves into alpha and theta states, increase the mind’s suggestibility, making it easier to reprogram the subconscious.
10 Autosuggestion techniques for taking control of your life
- Develop self-awareness: Recognizing your thought patterns and behaviors is key to guiding yourself toward your goals, whether they involve a successful career, a dream home, or a stress-free life.
- Put yourself in perspective: To reframe your mindset, empathize with others. Ask why someone else might be capable of something you’re not, and challenge the perceptions that hold you back. Keep in mind: “The map is not the territory,”
- Modeling successful people: Observe those who are successful in areas where you want to improve. By studying their habits, beliefs, and attitudes, you can adopt these traits through autosuggestion.
- Harness the power of visualization: Combine visualization with autosuggestion to solidify your goals in your subconscious. Visualizing in a relaxed, meditative state enhances the impact on your brain’s neural pathways.
- Create a routine: Consistency is essential for autosuggestion to work. By repeating affirmations and visualizations daily, you’ll strengthen the law of attraction and gradually manifest your goals.
- Eliminate negative thoughts: Negative thinking can sabotage progress. Stay mindful of your internal dialogue, and actively replace negative thoughts with positive ones to maintain a constructive mindset.
- Be open to change: Stepping outside your comfort zone is crucial for personal growth. Adapt to new situations and allow yourself to evolve without being constrained by old thought patterns.
- Surround yourself with positive energy: People who uplift and encourage you will help strengthen your autosuggestion process. Avoid those who consistently criticize or bring negativity into your life.
- Choose the right timing: The best times for autosuggestion are when you’re in a relaxed state, such as just before sleep or upon waking. Regularly review your progress and adjust as needed.
- Help others: Sharing your autosuggestion techniques with others can enhance your own success. As you teach, you reinforce positive energy within yourself and those around you.
Incorporating autosuggestion into your daily life can help you reshape beliefs, adopt new behaviors, and achieve goals you once thought were out of reach. By staying consistent and open to change, you’ll notice a shift in how you perceive challenges and opportunities, allowing you to create the life you desire.
