FS Extra đź‘Ł Catch the illusions steering your mind
Published: Thu, 09/04/25
Updated: Thu, 09/04/25
Have you ever noticed how magicians don’t actually “trick” you?
They just guide your attention so you miss what’s really happening.
Psychology works the same way. Every day, little mental “magic tricks” steer your choices without you realizing it.
Here are a few fun examples you’ve probably experienced:
The Menu Trick: Ever see a ridiculously expensive item on a menu? It’s not meant for you to buy, it’s there to make the second most expensive option look like a bargain.
The Silence Standoff: People who stay quiet after making a request often get what they want, because silence feels so uncomfortable that we rush to fill it.
The Compliment Hook: One well-timed compliment can soften you up for a favor later and you won’t even connect the two.
These little nudges feel harmless, yet they add up. Sometimes, they cross the line into what’s called dark psychology, the study of how people can manipulate your thoughts, emotions and decisions without you noticing.
Here’s the good news: once you recognize the tricks, they stop working on you.
That’s why I recommend diving deeper here
Inside, you’ll learn how to spot lies, resist manipulation and even use influence techniques ethically when you need to be more persuasive. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes tour of the magician’s workshop.
Once you’ve seen how the tricks are done, you’ll never look at conversations the same way again.
You’ll catch the sleight-of-hand in real time instead of wondering afterward what just happened. Suddenly, the same tactics that once left you second-guessing now become almost laughably obvious.
Check it out here
Whether it’s a pushy salesperson, a persuasive coworker or even a family member who always seems to get their way—you’ll know exactly what strings they’re pulling.
That kind of awareness is freedom.
Discover the full playbook here
The more you understand these hidden dynamics, the harder it becomes for anyone to push you into choices that don’t serve you.
Instead of reacting on autopilot, you’ll pause, see the pattern and choose your own response. That shift alone can save you time, money and energy in ways you’ll notice almost immediately.
Once you see these patterns, you can’t unsee them. Conversations, ads and even casual interactions suddenly reveal their hidden strings.
View and share a few past emails here
See you again soon.
Â
They just guide your attention so you miss what’s really happening.
Psychology works the same way. Every day, little mental “magic tricks” steer your choices without you realizing it.
Here are a few fun examples you’ve probably experienced:
The Menu Trick: Ever see a ridiculously expensive item on a menu? It’s not meant for you to buy, it’s there to make the second most expensive option look like a bargain.
The Silence Standoff: People who stay quiet after making a request often get what they want, because silence feels so uncomfortable that we rush to fill it.
The Compliment Hook: One well-timed compliment can soften you up for a favor later and you won’t even connect the two.
These little nudges feel harmless, yet they add up. Sometimes, they cross the line into what’s called dark psychology, the study of how people can manipulate your thoughts, emotions and decisions without you noticing.
Here’s the good news: once you recognize the tricks, they stop working on you.
That’s why I recommend diving deeper here
Inside, you’ll learn how to spot lies, resist manipulation and even use influence techniques ethically when you need to be more persuasive. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes tour of the magician’s workshop.
Once you’ve seen how the tricks are done, you’ll never look at conversations the same way again.
You’ll catch the sleight-of-hand in real time instead of wondering afterward what just happened. Suddenly, the same tactics that once left you second-guessing now become almost laughably obvious.
Check it out here
Whether it’s a pushy salesperson, a persuasive coworker or even a family member who always seems to get their way—you’ll know exactly what strings they’re pulling.
That kind of awareness is freedom.
Discover the full playbook here
The more you understand these hidden dynamics, the harder it becomes for anyone to push you into choices that don’t serve you.
Instead of reacting on autopilot, you’ll pause, see the pattern and choose your own response. That shift alone can save you time, money and energy in ways you’ll notice almost immediately.
Once you see these patterns, you can’t unsee them. Conversations, ads and even casual interactions suddenly reveal their hidden strings.
View and share a few past emails here
See you again soon.
Â
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đź—ť Unlock your bonus toolbox to keep inspiration flowing https://forwardstepsblog.com/free-personal-development-gifts/
📖 Missed your Forward Steps free eBook downloads? Grab them here https://forwardstepsblog.com/ebook-downloads/ 🔑 Password: forwardstepsfree
Forward Steps emails are simply to inform & entertain you. Blend them with your own life experiences and let's keep stepping forward together! When you make purchases through some links, I may earn a commission (which won't cost you anything extra). If ever you need to reach out to me, simply reply to any Forward Steps email. I personally respond to every message.
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PO Box 1307
Victoria Park WA 6981
AU
Unsubscribe  |  Change Subscriber Options