It’s a bold title, I know.But if you’re anything like me, you might be realising that it’s not just some far-off cult leader or conspiracy theory running the show in your head—it’s your own habits. Your own scrolling. The voices you let in.And the truth is, you’re being brainwashed every day… and you’re letting it happen.Now before you roll your eyes and scroll off, hear me out—because what I’m about to share might just change the way you see your thoughts, your confidence, and how you communicate with the world around you.<h1 id="9dda8562-9c0d-4b81-beca-005abd21b11c" data-toc-id="9dda8562-9c0d-4b81-beca-005abd21b11c">The Real Brainwashing Machine? Your Phone</h1>Picture this….It’s 11:37 p.m you’re lying in bed, meant to be asleep, but instead, your screen is glowing, you’re knee-deep in reels, flipping through polished highlight reels of people you’ve never met.And then it hits you—that weird, sinking feeling, like you're not doing enough, not looking the right way, not speaking with enough confidence, not... enough.That feeling? That shift in energy?That’s not accidental. It’s the result of repeated exposure to micro-messages designed to influence your emotions.You're being influenced, programmed, brainwashed.And the most unsettling bit?You’re the one pressing play.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="false" origin="" playlist="" progressbarcolor="white" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LPeUscEsjzk" start="0"></iframe></div><h1 id="dae7ad37-186f-4b8c-8c8b-2afb556f76bc" data-toc-id="dae7ad37-186f-4b8c-8c8b-2afb556f76bc">The Brain Isn’t Reacting – It’s Predicting</h1>Let me introduce you to a brilliant neuroscientist, Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett. In her work, she explains something pretty amazing….“Your brain isn’t reacting to the world—it’s predicting it.”That’s right.Every feeling, every choice, every spike of anxiety or moment of confidence, it’s all your brain playing a guessing game based on what it’s already seen, heard, and felt.Think of it like that one friend who insists they know the end of the film before the second scene’s even started.Your brain is that friend. It’s constantly trying to figure out what’s next by using what it already knows.And what is it that shapes what it knows?Repetition.<h1 id="b41a1223-3685-4cf5-8efe-b8ea288319bd" data-toc-id="b41a1223-3685-4cf5-8efe-b8ea288319bd">Repetition Rewires Reality</h1>Repetition is powerful. It’s how we learn. But it’s also how we wire beliefs into our brains about ourselves, our value, our voice.What you feed your mind, through conversations, content, and internal thoughts, creates your mental muscle memory.<ul><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Watching people who speak with power? You’ll pick up their energy.</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Constantly comparing yourself to curated feeds? Your confidence takes a hit.</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Listening to internal chatter that tears you down? You’ll hesitate in that meeting, fumble in that pitch, or avoid the stage altogether.</li></ul>This is how we unknowingly brainwash ourselves… daily.<h1 id="b0b0cdff-063c-4bd4-9aa6-9b6daf893cf4" data-toc-id="b0b0cdff-063c-4bd4-9aa6-9b6daf893cf4">The Algorithm Isn’t Evil – But It Isn’t Your Friend</h1>Let’s talk about that infamous algorithm for a sec.It’s not evil. It’s clever. In fact, it might know you better than you know yourself.Every click, every swipe, every pause, it’s tracking and it’s building a digital version of you to keep you hooked.The goal? Not your confidence. Not your clarity. Just your attention.Even if that means showing you more content that triggers self-doubt, insecurity, or comparison.And here's where the magician in me loves the twist…The algorithm is using misdirection.It gets you to look one way (shiny, fast content)... while the real trick is happening in your brain.<h1 id="94db66c6-cad3-4404-91c8-c9aea393cced" data-toc-id="94db66c6-cad3-4404-91c8-c9aea393cced">So... What If You Brainwashed Yourself On Purpose?</h1>Here’s the part that gives you back the power.Brainwashing isn’t always dark and twisted. In fact, you do it to yourself all the time, through repetition, emotion, and focus.My mentor, Chase Hughes, shares a simple acronym that explains how beliefs get programmed: F.E.A.R.<ul><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Focus</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Emotion</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Agitate</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Repeat</li></ul>That’s the brainwashing formula.Think about how media, marketing, even your own inner critic use that formula.You focus on something emotionally charged, it stirs you up, it gets repeated and before you know it, it becomes your reality.But what if you flipped the formula?What if you decided what to focus on? What if you chose voices and inputs that lift you instead of drain you?<h1 id="a3047d66-558b-4661-a41b-96ab7b4675ee" data-toc-id="a3047d66-558b-4661-a41b-96ab7b4675ee">Who’s Got a Seat in Your Head?</h1>Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”But in today’s world?Those five might not be real people.They could be:<ul><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">A LinkedIn thought leader shouting about hustle culture</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">A YouTuber preaching perfection</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">An ex you still follow, even though it hurts</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">A TikTok stranger with great teeth and questionable advice</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Your own inner voice that’s still playing on repeat from years ago</li></ul>It’s not just who you spend time with—it’s who you give airtime to.So here’s the question:Are those voices building your confidence, or shrinking it?<h1 id="0026d8b6-a20f-4b2f-9916-2c2d18615a91" data-toc-id="0026d8b6-a20f-4b2f-9916-2c2d18615a91">The Good News: You Can Take the Steering Wheel Back</h1>No, you can’t stop being influenced entirely.But you can choose who gets access.You can:<ul><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Unfollow accounts that make you feel small</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Replace doom-scrolling with inspiring content</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Tune into your own voice…. One that backs you, not bashes you</li></ul>Confidence isn’t a switch you flick. It’s a signal your brain sends—based on what it’s been fed.So, feed it the good stuff.<h1 id="19fde106-4f10-4eef-ba2b-f0eea2eb038c" data-toc-id="19fde106-4f10-4eef-ba2b-f0eea2eb038c">Free Training: Start Conversations With Confidence</h1>Ever stood there frozen, unsure how to start a conversation?Whether it’s a business event, a family gathering, or a random moment in a café, knowing what to say can feel like trying to crack a secret code.That’s exactly why I created my FREE 15-minute training called Break The Ice.In it, I’ll walk you through a simple, powerful 3-step formula that makes starting conversations feel effortless, even if you're introverted, nervous, or just out of practice.Download it here: 👉<a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/4dTZZaz"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.anthonylaye.com/break-the-ice-sign-up/">https://www.anthonylaye.com/break-the-ice-sign-up/</a>This isn’t fluff. It’s a proven framework that works in business, networking, and life.If you’re ready to break through the awkwardness and start connecting with confidence, grab the training now.<h1 id="cb652824-29f4-4e1a-a507-23a43f8edadf" data-toc-id="cb652824-29f4-4e1a-a507-23a43f8edadf">🔗 Stay Connected + Work With Me</h1>If this article got you thinking, there’s plenty more where that came from.Let’s connect across platforms:<ul><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Instagram:<a target="_blank" href="https://instagram.com/anthonylayespeaks"> @anthonylayespeaks</a></li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">YouTube:<a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/@anthonylaye"> @anthonylaye</a></li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Website:<a target="_blank" href="https://anthonylaye.com"> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://anthonylaye.com">anthonylaye.com</a></li></ul>And if you’re planning an event or looking to upskill your team?I work with organisations, teams, and leaders who are ready to show up with confidence, clarity and charisma.Whether it’s a keynote speech, a team training session, or my mastermind programme for high-achievers, my goal is simple:Help you live a life less ordinary.Because confidence isn’t just for the stage, it’s for the boardroom, the brainstorm, the dinner party, the quiet moment where you decide to back yourself.If you’re ready to take the next step,<a target="_blank" href="https://anthonylaye.com"> get in touch here</a>.<h1 id="6fc9e650-ff4e-4c01-b8a4-9c77a6b189e0" data-toc-id="6fc9e650-ff4e-4c01-b8a4-9c77a6b189e0">Final Thoughts</h1>You’re being brainwashed every day.Not by some secret cult.But by the content you consume, the habits you repeat, and the voices you listen to.It’s time to start brainwashing yourself on purpose—with intention, self-awareness, and a whole lot more self-respect.Because the most powerful voice you’ll ever hear... Should be your own.

You’re being brainwashed every day. Not by some secret cult. But by the content you consume, the habits you repeat, and the voices you listen to.

You’re Being Brainwashed Every Day (And You’re Letting It Happen)

The Real Brainwashing Machine? Your Phone

The Brain Isn’t Reacting – It’s Predicting

The Algorithm Isn’t Evil – But It Isn’t Your Friend

So... What If You Brainwashed Yourself On Purpose?

The Good News: You Can Take the Steering Wheel Back

Free Training: Start Conversations With Confidence

Learn how to grow and scale your online course business using our online course platform. EzyCourse blog is designed to teach you how to create and sell online courses.

You’re Being Brainwashed Every Day (And You’re Letting It Happen)

You’re Being Brainwashed Every Day (And You’re Letting It Happen)

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