Unlocking The Power Of Habit Building With Hypnotism

World-renowned Canadian hypnotist Asad Mecci has captivated audiences with his unique approach to hypnosis, blending art and science to create lasting, positive change. Habits are the foundation of our daily lives, but forming and maintaining beneficial ones can be a challenge. Through the power of suggestion, Asad teaches people how simple, deliberate cues can influence their behaviors, improve performance and shape daily routines. We chatted with Asad to learn more. —Noa Nichol

Your approach blends art and science—can you explain how hypnosis works to help people build and sustain positive habits?

The power of suggestion taps into the mind’s natural ability to create change. By utilizing carefully crafted suggestions, individuals can reframe their thoughts and behaviors, making it easier to adopt and maintain positive habits. This approach engages both the creative and analytical aspects of the mind, facilitating transformation through focused intention.

What are some practical techniques or strategies you recommend for using the power of suggestion to reinforce healthy habits in daily life?

One powerful technique to reinforce healthy habits is through Functional Imagery Training (FIT). FIT uses mental imagery to help individuals visualize themselves engaging in positive behaviors. Take the example of weight loss. If you visualize yourself choosing healthier meals or exercising regularly, your brain will start associating positive emotions with them, making it easier to maintain these habits. I used a similar method when I helped Roberto Verri, the host of Talk Television at the time, lose approximately 30 pounds in 3 months. His journey was documented on television and it really showcased how powerful the approach can be. The power of suggestion, rooted in mental imagery, allows individuals to break through mental barriers and stay motivated. Over time, the repeated practice of this imagery turns these behaviors into cognitive habits, reinforcing the desired changes, just as it did for Roberto in his weight loss journey.

In your experience, what are the biggest challenges people face when trying to adopt new habits, and how can hypnosis help overcome those obstacles?

Negative self-talk is a major challenge when trying to adopt new habits. I’ve experienced this firsthand when performing my hit live touring show with Colin Mochrie from “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The ‘cancel-cancel’ technique has been a game-changer for me. When I catch myself thinking ‘I’m nervous, what if the show doesn’t go well?,’ I immediately say ‘cancel cancel,’ followed by ‘I’m feeling excited, the show is great!’ There’s a fine line between nervousness and excitement – both trigger similar bodily responses. The key is in how we interpret these sensations. By consciously reframing nervousness as excitement and reframing the negative thought into a positive, we tap into neuroplasticity, our brain’s ability to form new neural connections. Consistent practice of this reframing strengthens positive neural pathways while pruning negative ones. It’s like creating a well-worn path in your mind leading to excitement rather than nervousness. This technique has really helped me, especially when Colin and I perform HYPROV on tour in front of thousands of people. You can check out the show and upcoming Canadian dates at www.hyprov.com.

Can you share any memorable success stories where hypnosis played a key role in helping someone achieve lasting positive change?

A memorable success story involves my collaboration with legendary figure skating coach, Brian Orser. We developed an audio program designed to enhance athletes’ mental focus and performance through guided imagery. This program was used by some of the world’s top figure skaters, including Yuzuru Hanyu, who went on to win two Olympic gold medals, and Javier Fernández, who became a two-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist. The mental conditioning provided by the program helped them remain focused and resilient in high-stakes competitions, proving how powerful visualization and suggestion can be in achieving lasting success. You can download the program and other sports audio programs at www.asadmecci.com.

You’ve partnered with Scotties to encourage Canadians to ask for the brand by name. How do you use the power of suggestion in a campaign like this, and what makes it effective in shaping consumer habits?

In our Scotties Facial Tissue campaign, we use the power of suggestion by blending humor and curiosity, making it both fun and memorable. For example, we performed street demonstrations where participants’ hands seemed “locked” together or where they believed a Scotties facial tissue was glued to their hand—until I released the suggestion. We also created temporary “amnesia,” where participants forgot the product name until prompted. These playful moments help make Scotties stick in people’s minds. The effectiveness lies in the emotional connection created through these memorable experiences. By sparking curiosity and engaging consumers in a fun way, we subtly reinforce the idea that they should ask for Scotties by name, shaping their habits and increasing brand recall.

For those unfamiliar with hypnosis, what are some common misconceptions, and how would you dispel them for people curious about using hypnosis for self-improvement?

Many people mistakenly believe that the power of suggestion involves losing control or being forced to do things against their will. In reality, individuals remain fully in control and can choose to accept or reject any suggestion. It’s a collaborative process where the person is empowered to tap into their own potential for change.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start integrating the power of suggestion into their routine to boost productivity, focus, or well-being?

I recommend starting with simple affirmations and visualization techniques. Choose one specific area you want to improve—such as productivity or focus—and craft a positive suggestion around it, like “I am productive and focused during work.” Repeat this suggestion daily and use visualization to imagine yourself achieving that goal. Consistency is key, and over time, this practice will start to influence your behavior and thought patterns, boosting your overall well-being. I also believe that sleep is so important to overall health, well-being and productivity. To assist, I have created a sleep-specific audio program available at www.asadmecci.com.