top of page

From Self-Criticism to Confidence: A Hypnotherapist’s Guide for Business Leaders

Writer's picture: Mark ReidMark Reid

Updated: Oct 15, 2024

"The unconscious mind is a powerful resource for unlocking our deepest potential, if only we learn how to access it." — Milton H. Erickson


Being a CEO or business leader in the organisation, you comprehend the challenges of operating a top-performing business. With a great deal of responsibility resting on your shoulders, it can be simple to succumb to self-criticism, enabling uncertainties to seep into your thoughts and weaken your leadership.


But what if you could transform that inner critic into an inner coach? What if you could use the power of your unconscious mind to cultivate superior self-confidence?


The Power of the Unconscious Mind and Hypnotherapy

Studies show that up to 95% of our brain activity is unconscious, meaning that much of what drives our thoughts and behaviours happens without conscious awareness (Eagleman, 2011). This includes the critical inner voice that often sabotages our self-confidence. Hypnotherapy works by tapping into this unconscious realm, helping you reprogram negative thought patterns and replace them with positive, empowering beliefs.


For CEOs and business leaders, hypnotherapy offers a unique and highly effective approach to overcoming self-doubt. By accessing a deeply relaxed state, hypnotherapy allows you to bypass the conscious mind’s filters and engage directly with the unconscious. In this relaxed state, powerful suggestions can be made to diminish self-criticism and promote self-confidence.


Relaxation and Composure: The Foundation for Confidence

One of the first steps in building confidence through hypnotherapy is achieving a state of deep relaxation. Research shows that relaxation not only reduces stress but also enhances cognitive function and decision-making (Deatherage, 1975). Hypnotherapy teaches you how to enter this state of composure at will, allowing you to face high-pressure situations with greater ease and clarity.


By incorporating daily relaxation rituals—such as self-hypnosis or guided visualisations—you can train your mind to remain calm and composed in even the most demanding scenarios. This foundation of relaxation supports the growth of self-confidence by keeping your mind clear and focused.


Business man walking in nature
CEO daily relaxing rituals for feeling calm

Real-Life Example: The CEO Who Mastered Daily Habits

One of my CEO clients, who heads a rapidly expanding construction company, has come to understand the significance of daily routines and how small, regular actions propel advancement. He embraced the 80:20 rule— dedicating 80% of his focus to the 20% of tasks that produce the most significant outcomes. However, we tweaked this rule slightly, considering that 80% of the work progresses smoothly while 20% will constantly pose challenges and changes, thus falling beyond your sphere of control.


This mindset shift helped him stop over analysing every decision and start focusing on doing the small things well. He incorporated daily visualisation and self-hypnosis sessions into his routine to stay grounded and composed, even during high-pressure meetings. Furthermore, appreciating that some business processes will be a "work-in-progress" and its outcomes will not always be in his control.


Inspired by James Clear's work on habits, particularly the idea of setting yourself up to win by making good decisions easier to execute, he now pre-plans his day the night before, ensuring that the most critical tasks are ready to be tackled first. This habit of strategic planning has allowed him to silence his inner critic, maintain clarity, and boost his confidence as a leader. As Clear writes in Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” By building strong systems of daily habits, this CEO has transformed his leadership approach.


The Habit of Confidence: Daily Rituals for Success

Confidence, like any other skill, is built through repetition and habit. By regularly practising hypnotherapy techniques, you can establish new neural pathways in the brain that reinforce positive self-beliefs. Just as physical exercise strengthens muscles, mental exercises through hypnotherapy strengthen your confidence (Bargh & Chartrand, 1999).


Daily rituals, such as morning visualisation sessions where you picture yourself succeeding in key tasks, help you create a mindset of success. Visualisation is a well-researched tool that has been shown to increase confidence and improve performance in a range of fields, from sports to business (Cumming & Ramsey, 2009). CEOs who visualise their success before major meetings or presentations often report feeling more in control and confident.


Peak State: Tapping into Your Best Self

Hypnotherapy can help you access a “peak state”—the optimal mental and emotional condition where you perform at your best. This state is characterised by heightened focus, clarity, and confidence. Through regular hypnotherapy sessions, you learn how to quickly enter this peak state, allowing you to handle challenges with a sense of mastery and poise.


This isn’t just about overcoming negative self-talk; it’s about creating a mental environment where confidence naturally thrives. Hypnotherapy can help you silence the inner critic and cultivate a new habit of self-assured thinking.


Planning and Clarity: Making Confident Decisions

Confident leaders make confident decisions. Hypnotherapy enhances mental clarity, enabling you to process information more effectively and plan strategically. In a study conducted by Stanford University, participants undergoing hypnosis displayed improved focus and reduced mental distractions (Spiegel, 2013). This heightened mental clarity allows you to see situations more objectively and make decisions from a place of confidence, rather than fear or doubt.


Communicate with Confidence

Effective leadership hinges on clear and confident communication. Hypnotherapy helps improve your communication by fostering clarity of thought and composure, allowing you to convey your ideas with greater impact. By quieting your inner critic, you gain the mental space to communicate assertively and persuasively, whether in board meetings, negotiations, or one-on-one discussions with key stakeholders.


Regular Coaching: The Key to Sustained Confidence

While hypnotherapy is a powerful tool, its full potential is unlocked through regular coaching sessions. Consistent work with a hypnotherapist allows you to fine-tune your mindset, reinforce positive changes, and stay aligned with your goals. Over time, these sessions help transform confidence from an occasional feeling into a permanent state of being.


In today's fast-paced business environment, having a life coach or hypnotherapist can offer personalised strategies to tackle your individual obstacles, enabling you to overcome self-doubt and embrace the assertive leadership role you are destined for. Confidence plays a crucial role in the business world, and consistent coaching sessions can guarantee that you consistently operate at your best.


Conclusion: Unleash Your Full Potential

Transforming self-criticism into self-confidence is not just about reprogramming negativity; it’s about empowering yourself to lead with conviction. Through the strategic use of hypnotherapy, relaxation, daily rituals, and visualisation, you can rewire your mind for success. Confidence isn’t an elusive trait reserved for the lucky few—it’s a skill that can be learned, practised, and mastered.


--------

Want more information on how to do this effectively? Feel free to contact me.


Enjoyed this post...From Self-Criticism to Confidence: A Hypnotherapist’s Guide for Business Leaders


Please follow for more, visit www.mtrcoaching.com

Author: Mark Tanchoco Reid, Founder of MTR Performance Coaching


References:

1. Eagleman, D. (2011). Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain. Pantheon Books.

2. Bargh, J. A., & Chartrand, T. L. (1999). The Unbearable Automaticity of Being. American Psychologist, 54(7), 462–479.

3. Deatherage, G. (1975). Hypnosis in Management of Stress. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 17(2), 75-82.

4. Cumming, J., & Ramsey, R. (2009). Imagery interventions in sport. In S. D. Mellalieu & S. Hanton (Eds.), Advances in applied sport psychology: A review. Routledge.

5. Spiegel, D. (2013). Hypnosis and Neural Control of Attention. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 56(1), 63-74.

6. Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Avery.


Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional with any health questions you may have. Do not begin a new medical regimen, or ignore the advice of a medical professional, as a result of information contained within this website.

123 views0 comments

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page