The obscure hypnotic principle that changes everything

It might be the most important thing you do today, or any day you choose to practice it.

Have you ever heard of something called the apposition of opposites?

If you haven’t, there is no need for concern. It is a rather obscure principle from the world of hypnotism, with roots reaching back to 1929. That was when Milton Erickson, often regarded as the greatest hypnotist of all time, demonstrated that he could guide a person into hypnosis simply by having the person’s hand lift into the air.

It should be mentioned that although this method worked, it was often a slow and demanding process. The hypnotist would repeat suggestions again and again, reminding the subject that the hand was getting lighter, lighter, lighter, slowly rising upward. The entire procedure could take many minutes and frequently felt more like an endurance test than a practical induction.

Yet something interesting happens when we introduce an opposite action. For reasons that are still surprisingly consistent, it becomes far easier to help a hand drift upward when the other hand is gently directed to sink downward at the same time.

This is the apposition of opposites in action.

Psychology consistently shows that it is easier to create movement or change when one direction is paired with its opposite. It is often easier to motivate someone toward a goal when they are simultaneously moving away from a pattern or experience that no longer serves them. The contrast sharpens intention, and the mind responds with greater clarity.

So how does this benefit you?

In a word, immensely. Once you see how simple the principle is, you can begin applying it right away.

Imagine starting your day with a brief mental exercise while you sip your morning tea or coffee. You take a moment to look over your current state of life. You consider your health, both mental and physical, your work, your relationships, and whatever else feels important. You allow yourself a calm, honest overview of how things are going.

Let us imagine that most areas look good, except for a particular relationship that feels strained. Perhaps there has been more irritation and arguing than you would prefer. You decide that something needs to shift within your own responses, and you choose to do this through a simple focus technique that uses what are known as More and Less statements.

After a moment of thoughtful reflection, you decide on More listening and Less interrupting. As you sit with that idea, you realize you want something more. You add More kindness and Less irritability. These are small adjustments, yet they are powerful because they create two directions of change at once.

Throughout the day, you repeat these carefully chosen statements. You draw the attention of your powerful unconscious mind and invite it to assist you. With consistent use, these More and Less statements begin to influence your behaviour naturally. They shift your emotional tone and the way you respond to others. All of this happens because of the elegant power of the apposition of opposites.

This method sits at the very heart of the Navigator System, something I developed years ago. It is a practical approach to guiding your life in five second increments. By moving toward what you truly want while also stepping away from what drains or distracts you, you create a double effect that accelerates positive change. You gain more of what strengthens your life, while quietly reducing the patterns that once held you back.

And as you continue practicing this simple daily ritual, something remarkable unfolds. You begin to navigate your days with greater clarity. You start noticing opportunities that once went unseen. You respond in ways that feel more aligned with the person you are becoming. In time, this gentle art of opposites can transform not only moments, but entire chapters of your life.

When you choose to guide yourself with intention in this way, you stop drifting. You start steering. And that is how meaningful change truly begins.

- Mike Mandel