The First Step: Understanding the Human Psyche
I was always fascinated by why people do what they do. During my university years, I studied psychology, particularly the works of Abraham Maslow, B.F. Skinner, and Victor Vroom. Their theories provided insights into motivation, reinforcement, and decision-making. But I wanted to move beyond the academic realm and see how these theories worked in real life.
Around this time, I discovered NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). This framework for understanding communication and behavior is based on the idea that our thoughts, language, and patterns of behavior are interconnected. NLP became the lens through which I began to decode people’s stories. By paying close attention to their words, tone, and body language, I realized I could predict their concerns and aspirations with uncanny accuracy.
Fear and Greed: The Core Drivers
Human behavior is often shaped by two primal forces: fear and greed. Fear keeps us from taking risks that might harm us, while greed drives us toward rewards and opportunities. As a fortune teller, I observed these forces at play in every session.
For example, clients often came to me with questions about their careers, relationships, or finances. Underlying their questions were deeper fears of failure, rejection, or loss, as well as desires for success, love, or wealth. By identifying which force was dominant, I could frame my responses in a way that resonated deeply with them.
When someone expressed fear—“What if I lose my job?”—I used NLP techniques to reframe their mindset. Instead of dwelling on the negative, I guided them to see opportunities for growth and resilience. I ask them, "What if you get a better job?"
Conversely, when greed was the driver—“How can I earn more money?”—I tapped into their aspirations, helping them visualize success and take actionable steps toward their goals. I ask them, "What would it take for you to earn more money in the next 3 to 24 months?"
The Role of Motivational Theories
Motivational theories provided a structured approach to my fortune-telling practice. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, for instance, was a powerful tool for understanding where my clients were in their personal journeys. If someone was focused on basic survival needs, I addressed their concerns in a pragmatic way. For those striving for self-actualization, I emphasized growth, purpose, and fulfillment.
Victor Vroom’s Expectancy Theory also became invaluable. This theory posits that motivation is based on the belief that effort leads to performance, which in turn leads to desirable outcomes. When clients felt stuck, I helped them see the connection between their efforts and the rewards they sought. By aligning their expectations with achievable results, I empowered them to take action.
Building Trust Through Storytelling
Effective fortune telling is not about predicting the future; it’s about crafting a narrative that people can believe in. Here, storytelling became my most powerful tool. By weaving their aspirations and concerns into a compelling story, I gave my clients a sense of direction and hope.
Storytelling is deeply rooted in NLP. By using metaphors, analogies, and vivid imagery, I could bypass their conscious skepticism and speak directly to their subconscious minds. For example, if a client was hesitant about a career change, I might tell a story about a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, emphasizing the necessity of change for growth.
The Ethics of Fortune Telling
As I honed my skills, I became acutely aware of the ethical responsibilities that came with this role. Manipulating someone’s fears or desires for personal gain was never my intention. Instead, I saw my work as a way to guide people toward self-awareness and positive action. I am a Coach, not a Fortune Teller.
I made it a point to be transparent about my methods. When clients asked how I seemed to “know” so much about them, I explained the principles of NLP and motivational psychology. Rather than diminishing their trust, this openness often deepened it, as they saw me as someone genuinely interested in helping them.
People are More Predictable than they Think
Becoming a fortune teller taught me invaluable lessons about human behavior. I learned that people are often more predictable than they think, driven by universal forces like fear, greed, and the pursuit of happiness. I also discovered the power of language and narrative in shaping perceptions and inspiring action.
But perhaps the most important lesson was the realization that fortune telling is not about foreseeing the future; it’s about empowering people to create it. By understanding their motivations, reframing their fears, and inspiring their aspirations, I could help them unlock their potential and take control of their destinies.
The Future of Fortune Telling
As technology advances, the tools of NLP and motivational psychology will only become more sophisticated. AI-driven algorithms already analyze human behavior to predict trends and preferences. While this might seem impersonal, it underscores the timeless relevance of understanding the human psyche.
For me, fortune telling remains a deeply personal and intuitive practice. It’s about connecting with people, listening to their stories, and helping them find meaning in their experiences. Whether through a crystal ball, a tarot deck, or the principles of NLP, the goal is always the same: to guide people toward clarity, confidence, and purpose.
How to Create the Biggest Fortune?
In the end, we are all fortune tellers in our own lives. We create our lives. Our thoughts, speech and action are creating our future. By understanding the forces that drive us and the stories we tell ourselves, we can shape our futures with intention and creativity. And that, perhaps, is the greatest fortune of all.
Written by Andy Ng, Chief Trainer Coach from Asia Coaching Training, Tok Tok at https://asiatrainers.org/Tiktokandy
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