Are we in control or is it an illusion?

We think we are in control of our decisions when in fact we are susceptible to other people's influence.

How do we know what is the right or wrong thing to do? Who decides what is right and what is wrong? Are we selfish or selfless?

In this next two-part series, I will examine how influence affects our decision making. I will give you personal examples and two different scenarios. Are you ready?

Is it wrong to guilt people into donating?

Everyone has a choice, no one forces you to do anything even if you think you are obliged, "it is your thinking that makes it so". However, the flip side to this is the power of influence that people have over you when you just can't say no.

If you haven't already read this powerful book with practical strategies about how to influence people using the power of persuasion, I suggest you buy it as soon as you are ready for it.

Influence by Robert Caildini expresses the use of the everyday practice that people use against your own will, without you clearly understanding how. He is a master observer and sometimes regarded as the "godfather of influence."

This book was a validation to my observation of the human behaviour.

"Understanding persuasion means understanding how we make decisions."

Many great writers and successful entrepreneurs are able to observe what is happening without passing judgement. When this happens you are able to distinguish first what is logical, second what is reality/truth, and lastly how things work.

Epictetus in his work The Art of Living describes it as such:

"Anytime you approach a situation step back for a moment and analyze...Determine what happens first and see what that leads to."

What he is saying is pay attention to what is important, and what is important is your control over the situation. Do what you feel will be the most beneficial to your well-being.

So is it wrong then to guilt people into donating to a worthy cause? Well, one would have to ask what is a worthy cause? And who decides it is worthy? What I may consider worthy, you may have the opposite belief about it based on your previous experiences, and if you do, would you still donate?

Your first reaction will be to say no. Although, I find it interesting that we go against what we say we wouldn't do.

There are powerful forces at work here. No, this is not divine and intervention, this is using a practical approach to understanding people.

Continue reading HERE.

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