Comments on: Video Update: How to Convince Someone to Change Their Mind

By: Tricia B

Tricia B — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:39:18 +0000

Very clear, to the point and on target. Trying to change someone’s mind is a waste of energy. Expressing your vantage point and inviting those on the same wavelength to share and expand on ideas/projects increases the energy…love it …Thanks Chris.

By: Jud Hampson

Jud Hampson — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:50:28 +0000

Hi Chris,

I dig your take on this. I read about a similar philosophy relating to a young Chinese emperor who watched over the palace butcher as he carved meat for hours on end without sharpening his knife. He asked the butcher how this was possible and he answered that it was because he ‘cut where resistance was least’. I think these two philosophies support one another.

I hope you are enjoying Malaysia or wherever you are now.

Regards

Jud Hampson

By: The Barking Unicorn

The Barking Unicorn — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:19:39 +0000

Chris’ approach is appropriate if one’s purpose is to acquire people for one’s selfish purposes. Yes, you want to acquire sources of money, labor, word-of-mouth advertising, etc., at the least possible cost. So preach to the choir. Do not climb to pluck fruit, just find a tree to stand under from which ripe fruit is falling. Animals do it all the time.

But if your purpose is to be Kind to another person – to give him your life-enhancing, happiness-creating idea – then you must change his mind. His mind does not contain the idea when you find him; if it did, you couldn’t give it to him.

“Change your mind and you can change the world,” goes the old saying. Well, if you don’t change someone’s mind, then you have not changed the world. Your mind is the same, and his mind is the same. Preaching to the choir is what’s “ineffective” if your purpose is more than just acquiring things for yourself. (Your life has a greater purpose than greed, doesn’t it?)

Changing minds is fun if you simply make people envy you. Be happy; exude Joy; be always busy but never hurried; do not worry; above all, be Kind. Everyone will want to be like you, and ask how.

You will tell them, and some will readily accept your idea. But most will become afraid. That’s where changing minds becomes more work than preaching to the choir. But it’s only “work” if you’d rather be doing something else than being Kind. (If you would, then you have not yet discovered the secret of success.)

All fear is fear of losing something, including the absence of something. Many people fear losing their established beliefs or the absence of new beliefs that would require them to make changes in their behaviors. To change fearful minds, one must help people banish fear. That is a mind-change, and the most fundamental one. You can’t change a mind about anything else until you change it about fear.

Once fear is banished, the person will accept and practice your idea because he wants to be like you. That may or may not make you money, but it will always make you happy and successful.

It really is that simple. I’ve done it for 35 years.

“Your work is to discover your world and then
with all your heart give yourself to it.”
~ The Buddha.

By: Henrik

Henrik — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:54:54 +0000

Great video Chris, thank you!

I think most people really are open-minded, but their egos are not and will do everything so that they stay in the status quo / comfort zone.

But once people understand how their egos operate, they can just laugh at their ego and open the doors for happier and healthier lives.

It comes back to helping people take better decisions based on new knowledge (as somebody stated above).

By: Ola

Ola — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:12:45 +0000

this is why i don’t try to convince people to become vegetarian or vegan or to eat more mindfully, even as omnivores. i just do my own thing and let everyone watch and decide.
people’s diet is probably one of the most sensitive topics, so i’ve learnt that it’s best just to be an example and attract people who are not resistant to my ideas (or who wouldn’t mind being seen with a vegan

By: Etsuko

Etsuko — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:31:41 +0000

Chris,

I agree with you on that 100%! Some people have strong reaction to people trying to impose their values. I know because I am one of them!

Etsuko

By: Maximo Jr

Maximo Jr — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 06:05:09 +0000

Great video. I would like to add that the best way in my opinion to change someones mind is to teach them with your example. The problem with a lot of people is that their testimonial is contrary to what they preach. Sharing ideas and believes is great, but the most important think is that people see u putting those ideas and believes in action.

Thanks for keep working hard and sharing great thoughts.
Cheers

By: Phil Gould

Phil Gould — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:36:32 +0000

I strongly believe that recruitment is done through evangelism. Whether it is a product or service or idea, volunteer group or tribe having someone evangelize it will accomplish the desired recruitment. To be an evangelist is simply to enjoy a passionate purpose or a devoted affectionate love for something. Connecting with those of a like mind will certainly make by-in easier.
Telling your story with enthusiasm, excitement and energy can be convincing!!!

Cheers,
Phil

By: Josh Moore

Josh Moore — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:22:45 +0000

I think essentially it is about finding a harmony. If people harmonize with your vision they will naturally buy into it and want to help out with the development and progression. On the flip side, trying to push your ideas onto people who don’t harmonize with you is not usually effective.

Another good way to do this is to lead by example. If you are showing people how you do things and that with a little effort they could do it too, they will more inclined to listen and apply some of your viewpoints.

Great inspiring post that could be applied across a lot of interactions we have in all aspects of life!

By: Global Patriot

Global Patriot — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 04:42:16 +0000

In the end, each of us determines when it’s time to change our mind, and that process occurs for two reasons:

1) We come across new data which is compelling enough for us to revise our old opinion – this tends to be real change, as we actually think about an issue.

2) We simply join the crowd and follow a popular notion – this is what I term momentary change, as it’s not based on logic, or even emotion, but rather on an ego driven desire to fit in, be cool or impress.

Write good stuff which contains a compelling argument for your position. Those who are like-minded will get it straight out, while those with a differing opinion “may” change on their own as they evaluate what you’ve said.