In recent decades, the Law of Attraction has become one of the most influential belief systems in wellness, self-help, and multilevel marketing (MLM) circles. Its premise is seductively simple: your thoughts shape your reality. Think positively, and abundance will flow; dwell on negativity, and you’ll attract misfortune.
We have discussed the pitfalls of Law of attraction in a previous episode, you can find here.
🎙️ Another throwback episode is linked below, where I unpack my journey from wellness fanatic within MLM into a high-control religion. Together, we explore the wild “crunchy hippie to alt-right pipeline.” 🌿➡️🛑 social media, influencers, and wellness hype quietly nudge people toward extreme ideas, and in this episode, we break down exactly how. 🎧🔥
This modern doctrine of “mind over matter” is often traced to The Secret (2006) by Rhonda Byrne, but its genealogy is much older. It reaches back to New Thought philosophy of the 19th century, where figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Phineas Quimby, and later Mary Baker Eddy (founder of Christian Science) claimed that divine thought itself was the engine of reality. These Mind Cure and faith healing movements linked spirt and matter together. Disease, poverty, and suffering were seen as products of “wrong or stinking thinking.” Salvation was not just spiritual but cognitive: change your thinking, change your life.
and so again I say: It is shockingly right instead of shockingly wrong of you to be prosperous. Obviously, you cannot be very happy if you are poor and you need not be poor. It is a sin. –Catherine Ponder (The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity)
In fact, it is the search for spiritual healing of the body that led to what is known today as prosperity consciousness or in Christian evangelism, it’s prosperity theology.
That intellectual lineage matters because it shows how the Law of Attraction has always been more than a harmless pep talk. It represents a cosmology of control, one that locates all responsibility (and blame) within the individual mind. As we have discussed many times before, Jonathan Haidt observes in The Righteous Mind, belief systems serve a dual function: they bind communities together and blind them to alternative explanations.
In this sense, the Law of Attraction doesn’t just inspire positive thinking; it narrows. By framing success and failure as purely mental vibrations, it obscures structural realities like economic inequality, physical health and genetic limitations, racism, or corporate exploitation.
And that narrowing is precisely what makes it the perfect handmaiden to MLM culture.
When Positive Thinking Becomes a Business Model
Robert L. FitzPatrick, in False Profits and Ponzinomics, describes MLMs as “endless chain” recruitment schemes. What sustains them isn’t product sales but the constant influx of hopeful recruits. Yet these schemes require something more than numbers: they require belief.
Here, the Law of Attraction becomes the MLM’s best salesman. Distributors are told:
Failure isn’t about the structure of the business; it’s about your mindset.
Doubt is “negative energy” that will block your success.
Quitting is not just a business choice but a moral failing.
In the Amway training program, the “ABCs of Success” are “Attitude, Belief and Commitment.” Attitude was the key which must be guarded. Don’t let anyone steal your attitude. Negative was defined as “whatever influence weakens your belief and commitment in the business” -False Profits
This is where Norman Vincent Peale’s “positive thinking” gospel dovetails with MLM. In his 1948 book Positive Thinking for a Time Like This, Peale popularized the phrase
“Let go and let God. Let Him take over your life and run it. He knows how.”
While originally a call to spiritual surrender, the phrase has since been weaponized in countless contexts from Holiness movements to Alcoholics Anonymous to prosperity preaching. At its worst, it functions as a silencer: don’t question, don’t resist, don’t think critically. Just “let go,” and trust that outcomes (or uplines) will provide.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity has a word for this: prelest. It’s the belief that human beings are so easily deceived that any private sense of spiritual progress — a feeling of clarity, joy, empowerment, even a mystical experience — can’t be trusted on its own. Without humility and the guidance of a spiritual father, you’re told it may just be pride, delusion, or the devil in disguise.
That’s the trap: you can’t trust your own mind, heart, or gut. The only “safe” option is obedience to the system. Which is exactly how MLMs and other high-control groups operate — undermining self-trust to keep you dependent.
Nietzsche would have called this a kind of slave morality, a belief system that encourages resignation to suffering rather than rebellion against unjust structures. The Law of Attraction, framed in this way, doesn’t challenge MLM exploitation; it sanctifies it.
More powerful than any product, charismatic leader, or compensation plan, the MLM mindset materials (the tapes, courses, and “personal development” kits) are the prime tools used to recruit and control distributors. Once you’re in the system, you’re encouraged to buy these materials week after week, keeping you invested emotionally and financially while feeding the company’s bottom line.
I went back through my Facebook to find some goodies for you! 😜This photo says “My energy creates my reality. What I focus on is what I will Manifest.” Here is the original caption so you can hear how brainwashed I was. “💥🙌🏼Belief is a feeling of certainty about something, driven by emotion. Feeling certain means that it feels true to you and therefore it is your reality. 💥🙌🏼 💪🏼 What you focus on you find 💪🏼 👀 You’ve got to believe it, to see it 👀”
Flashback to my first corporate event Aug 2016. My upline purchased my flight basically forcing me to go.
My caption at the time: 🤮
🔥IGNITE YOUR VISION! 🔥 ⚡Attended an event that changed my life. Showed me the massive vision of this company. 🤗Join our passionate, growing team of 18-35-year-olds striving for extraordinary lives and ownership of health, dreams, and contributions. 🤩Returning to this LIFE CHANGING event soon! Nashville, TN—let’s learn, grow, and celebrate!
Sounds inspiring, right? Except what they’re really selling is mandatory product purchases, endless hype, and a community that keeps you chasing the next status milestone. That “massive vision” isn’t about your health or dreams—it’s about the company’s bottom line.
Words like passionate, extraordinary, innovators, ownership are carefully chosen psychological nudges, making you feel like life itself is on the line if you’re not on board. And the countdown to the next “life-changing” event? Keeps you spending, attending, and emotionally hooked.
This is exactly what FitzPatrick calls out in Ponzinomics: the sales rep is the best customer. Only a tiny fraction of participants earn anything; the rest are paying to stay inspired.
More flashback images from my cult days….
The Psychological Toll
When these elements collide the New Thought inheritance of “mind over matter,” Peale’s positive thinking, religious community networks and MLM compensation plans… the result is a high-control environment dressed in empowerment language.
The outcomes are rarely empowering:
Blame and guilt when inevitable losses occur.
Anxiety from the demand to maintain “high vibrations.”
Suppression of doubt, lest skepticism be mistaken for weakness.
Financial harm disguised as personal failure.
In wellness communities, this logic extends beyond money. If essential oils don’t heal your illness, it’s because your mindset was wrong. If the diet doesn’t work, it’s because you didn’t “believe” enough. Structural realities (biology, medicine, inequality) are flattened into personal responsibility.
As Haidt warns, morality (and by extension ideology) can both bind and blind. The Law of Attraction, when paired with MLM, binds participants into a shared culture of hope and positivity while blinding them to exploitation.
Connecting the Dots: Bodybuilding, Metabolism & Team Isagenix
A couple weeks ago on the podcast, I shared about my bodybuilding years and the metabolic fallout I still live with today. I had forgotten how much of that season was actually entangled with my Isagenix obsession. My upline (the couple who enrolled me) were a part of Team Isagenix®, and I craved the validation of being “seen” as a successful athlete inside that community.
The requirements were brutal: placing in the top three of multiple competitions in a short span of time. So, between May 2017 and October 2018, I crammed in four shows in just 18 months. No off-season. No recovery. Just constant prep cycles. My metabolism never had a chance to stabilize, and I pushed myself past healthy limits. I wrecked my body and I’m still paying the price.
This is why I push back so hard when people insist that success is all about having a “positive enough” attitude to manifest it. My mindset was ironclad. What I lacked the conscious awareness that valued human health over recruitment and body image. That drive wasn’t just about stage lights and trophies. It was about proving my worth to an MLM culture that dangled prestige as the price of belonging. Team Isagenix® made the bar steep, and I was determined to clear it, no matter the cost.
And if you need proof of how deep this “mindset over matter” indoctrination goes, look no further than my old upline…now rebranded as a Manifestation Coach. Picture the classic boss-babe felt hat, paired with a website promising “signature mindset tools for rapid results.” According to her, if fear or doubt was “shrinking your dreams,” this was your moment to “flip it.” She name-drops 8-figure companies, influencers, and visionaries (the usual credibility glitter) while selling memberships, live events, and 7-day challenges.
It’s the same pitch recycled: your struggle isn’t systemic, it’s your mindset. If you’re not living your “life you truly love,” it’s because you haven’t invested enough in flipping the script (with her paid framework, of course). The MLM grind culture just got a new coat of “manifesting” paint.
🧠 Isagenix Programs & Their Psychological Impact
Healthy Mind and Body Program: A 60-day “mindset” initiative framed as holistic wellness. In practice, it ties product use to personal development, creating behavioral conditioning and binding members into a sense of shared identity and belonging. 🚩
IsaBody Challenge: A 16-week transformation contest requiring regular Isagenix product purchases. Completion comes with swag and vouchers; finalists are paraded as “success stories,” gamifying loyalty and dangling prestige as bait. The grand prize winner earns $25,000 but most participants earn only deeper entanglement. 🚩
Team Isagenix: Marketed as a prestige group for elite athletes with current national certifications, offering exclusivity and aspirational branding. This elevates certain members as “proof” of the products’ legitimacy, fueling both loyalty and recruitment. 🚩
Product Consumption: Isagenix requires 100 PV every 30 days just to remain “active.” This equates to about $150/month you HAVE to spend. On paper, bonuses and ranks promise unlimited potential. In reality, most associates struggle to recoup even their monthly product costs. Personal development rhetoric and community belonging often eclipse these financial realities, keeping participants cycling through hope, debt, and blame. 🚩
🤮🐦🔥 “Transform Your Life with Isagenix | Empowering Wellness and Wealth” 🐦🔥 🤮
Watch closely, because this is where the magic happens: the company paints a picture of limitless opportunity, but as Robert L. FitzPatrick lays out in Ponzinomics, the secret is that the sales rep is the best customer. That’s right… the real profits aren’t coming from your vague dreams of financial freedom; they’re coming from the people who are already buying the products and trying to climb the ranks.
The numbers don’t lie. According to Isagenix’s own disclosure: the overall average annual income for associates is $892. Among those who actually earned anything, the average jumps to $3,994. Do the math: $892 ÷ $3,994 ≈ 0.223 — meaning only about 22% of associates earn anything at all. The other 78%? Zero. Nada. Zilch.
And before you start fantasizing about that $3,994, remember: that’s before expenses. Let’s run a realistic scenario based on actual product spend:
$150/month on products or promotional materials = $1,800/year → net ≈ $2,194 − $1,800 = $1,194 before other costs.
Factor in travel, events, or socials? That $1,194 could easily drop to near zero…or negative.
The point: the so-called “income potential” evaporates fast when you account for the mandatory spending MLMs require. The only thing truly transformed is the company’s bottom line, not yours.
No wonder the comments are turned off.
Apparently, nobody actually crunches the numbers while the marketing spiel promises energy, strength, and vitality as if a shake could fix financial exploitation, metabolic burnout, and guilt-tripping at the same time.
My story is just one case study of how these tactics play out in real lives: I was recruited through trusted connections, emotionally manipulated with promises of transformation, pressured into relentless product use, and left with financial strain and long-lasting health consequences. That’s the “empowerment” MLMs sell and it’s why scrutiny matters.
Cultural Ecosystems That Enable MLMs
MLMs don’t operate in a vacuum. They flourish where belief structures already normalize submission to authority, truth-claims, and tightly networked communities. Evangelicals and the LDS Church provide striking examples: tight-knit congregations, missionary training in persuasion, and a cultural emphasis on self-reliance and communal obligation create fertile ground for recruitment.
Companies like Nu Skin, Young Living, doTERRA, and Melaleuca have disproportionately strong followings in Utah and among Mormon communities. FitzPatrick notes that MLMs thrive where trust networks and shared values make persuasion easier. The kind of environment where aspirational marketing and “prestige” teams can latch onto pre-existing social structures.
In short, it’s not just the products or the promises of positive thinking; it’s where belief, community, and culture all collide… that allows MLMs to hook people and keep them chasing elusive success.
Beyond Magical Thinking
The critique, then, is not of hope or positivity per se, but of weaponized optimism. When mantras like let go and let God or just thinking positive to manifest it are used to shut down discernment, discourage action, or excuse exploitation, they cease to be spiritual tools and become instruments of control.
Nietzsche challenged us to look beyond systems that sanctify passivity, urging instead a confrontation with reality even when it is brutal. FitzPatrick’s work extends this challenge to the world of commerce: if we truly care about empowerment, we must be willing to see how belief systems can be manipulated for profit.
That’s why MLMs and the Law of Attraction deserve scrutiny. Not because they promise too much, but because they redirect responsibility away from unjust structures and onto the very people they exploit.
Coming Up: A Deeper Dive
Next week on the podcast, I’ll be speaking with Robert L. FitzPatrick, author of False Profits and one of the world’s leading experts on MLMs. With decades of research, FitzPatrick has testified in court cases exposing fraudulent MLM schemes and helped unravel the mechanisms behind these multi-billion-dollar operations. He’s seen firsthand how MLMs manipulate culture, co-opt spirituality, and turn belief itself into a product.
Stay tuned. This is a conversation about more than scams, it’s about the machinery of belief, and how it shapes our lives in ways we rarely see.
Byrne, Rhonda. The Secret. New York: Atria Books, 2006.
Eddy, Mary Baker. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Boston: The Christian Science Publishing Society, 1875.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Edited by Brooks Atkinson. New York: Modern Library, 2000.
FitzPatrick, Robert L. False Profits: Seeking Financial and Spiritual Deliverance in Multi-Level Marketing and Pyramid Schemes. Charlotte, NC: Herald Press, 1997.
FitzPatrick, Robert L. Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing. Charlotte, NC: Skyhorse Publishing, 2020.
Haidt, Jonathan. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. New York: Vintage Books, 2012.
Nietzsche, Friedrich. On the Genealogy of Morals. Edited by Walter Kaufmann. New York: Vintage Books, 1989 (originally published 1887).
Peale, Norman Vincent. Positive Thinking for a Time Like This. New York: Prentice-Hall, 1948.
Quimby, Phineas P. The Quimby Manuscripts. Edited by Horatio W. Dresser. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1921.
Wallace, David Foster. “Consider the Lobster.” In Consider the Lobster and Other Essays. New York: Little, Brown, 2005. (Useful on consumer culture critique, if you want a modern edge.)
Reframing the New Year: Rejecting Quick Fixes for Sustainable Growth
Welcome to Season 3 of Taste of Truth Tuesdays! 🎉 We’re kicking off with a bang, diving deep into a topic near and dear to my heart. After two decades in the fitness industry, I’ve got some game-changing insights, tips, and no-nonsense truths to share. You won’t want to miss a single minute of today’s episode💪✨
The New Year is here, and you’ve probably seen the tidal wave of ads pushing detoxes, cleanses, and resets. Let me stop you right there: NO, you do NOT need a detox, cleanse, or reset after the holidays.
When I say, “quick fix,” what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a detox tea promising to cleanse your system, a miracle shake that claims to replace your meals, or even the latest pharmaceutical weight-loss drug like Ozempic, used off label and hailed as the “solution” to stubborn fat. Quick fixes thrive on our desperation for immediate results. They’re marketed as shortcuts—whispering, “This will solve all your problems,” no patience or hard work required. 🫣
But here’s the hard truth: quick fixes rarely fix anything. Whether it’s a detox, a cleanse, or a medication designed to suppress your appetite, they often bypass the root causes of your concerns. They don’t teach you how to nourish your body or rebuild a healthy relationship with food. Instead, they slap a band-aid on symptoms while creating long-term consequences for your metabolism, hormones, and mental well-being.
Take Ozempic, for example. While it’s been touted as a “miracle” weight-loss drug, there are some serious health warnings that aren’t always front and center. As with significant weight loss in general, some people using these drugs experience muscle loss and lower bone density, increasing the risk of injury—especially for older adults.
In animal studies, semaglutide (the drug behind Ozempic) has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer, including medullary thyroid carcinoma. While we don’t yet know if this risk translates to humans, it’s something to be aware of—especially if you have a family history of thyroid conditions. And let’s not forget the FDA’s 2023 warning about potential intestinal blockage associated with these medications, although the evidence so far shows it’s more about slowed gastric emptying and vomiting mimicking an obstruction.
And here’s the kicker—while these quick fixes promise to reshape your body in a short period, they often come with a slew of side effects that are rarely discussed. The key to managing those risks? Pay attention to your diet, listen to your body, and stay hydrated. But I can’t help but wonder: is the price tag on this “quick fix” really worth it?
In my own journey, I repeatedly fell for these promises—from replacing real food with Smart Start cereal, to taking ephedra and green tea energy pills in high school, and in my 30s, chasing the next shake, cleanse, or some ridiculous holistic protocol that promised to transform my body overnight. Spoiler alert: it never worked the way I hoped, and sometimes, it made things worse.
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on quick fixes, diving into why they’re so appealing, and exposing the truth about detoxes, cleanses, and even medications like Ozempic. Because your health deserves more than a shortcut—it deserves a sustainable, thoughtful approach rooted in a long-term sense of well-being.
Let’s start by breaking down the dangers of these so-called “solutions” and why they often cause more harm than good.
🚨 The Dangers of Detoxes and Cleanses
Let me start by sharing a bit about my personal experience with Isagenix, an MLM I was involved in for four years. Their program revolved around “shake days” and “cleanse days.” Shake days required replacing two meals with shakes, leaving you with just 1,200-1,500 calories a day. Cleanse days were even more extreme: 24-48 hours of intermittent fasting where you consumed only “approved” snacks—essentially glorified candies from their product line.
These cleanse days were touted as the secret to triggering autophagy, “cleaning up your cells,” and building muscle while shedding fat. But for me, the reality couldn’t have been further from the sales pitch. Instead of gaining energy, building muscle, or feeling cleansed, I experienced fatigue, hormonal disruptions, and a worsening relationship with food.
I want to clarify here: if you’re under the care of a well-educated, integrative professional who has run labs and prescribed a short-term liver cleanse or restrictive protocol tailored to your needs, this isn’t directed at you. I’m talking to the folks who, like me, were misled by the marketing tactics of supplement companies, MLMs, and Pinterest ads. These programs prey on our insecurities while delivering none of the promised benefits.
Here’s why these quick-fix detoxes and cleanses are more harmful than helpful:
They Deplete Your Energy Over Time
On those “cleanse days,” I often felt like I was running on fumes. Severely restricting food intake forces your body to pull from its energy reserves, leaving you fatigued, irritable, and unable to function optimally. Over time, this restriction triggers metabolic adaptation, slowing down your metabolism to conserve energy. Instead of speeding up fat loss, it makes your body cling to every calorie it gets, making future weight management even harder.
They Disrupt Hormonal Health
My cleanse days wreaked havoc on my hormones. The lack of consistent nourishment interferes with thyroid hormone conversion and overactivated the adrenal glands, increasing cortisol production. Chronic high cortisol levels undermine immunity, energy, and mood. For women, the risks are even greater. Prolonged restriction sends your body into survival mode, disrupting your reproductive hormones. I dealt with irregular periods, cold extremities, and even hair thinning—all signs that my body was prioritizing survival over reproduction.
They Create Nutritional Deficiencies
When you cut out food, you cut out nutrients. The shakes and supplements from Isagenix were marketed as “nutritionally complete,” but they couldn’t compare to the diversity and richness of whole foods. This reliance on synthetic supplements is not a sustainable way to meet your nutritional needs.
They Damage Your Relationship with Food
One of the most insidious effects of these programs was how they warped my relationship with food. By constantly restricting and “cleansing,” I lost touch with hunger cues and began seeing food as the enemy. At one point, my appetite diminished, which might sound like a win in hustle culture, but it was actually a red flag. Our bodies need food to fuel productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Sacrificing health in the name of hustle isn’t the flex diet culture makes it out to be.
The Bottom Line
Programs like the one I was involved in sell you the illusion of health while delivering energy depletion, hormonal imbalance, and long-term damage to your metabolism. Sustainable growth comes from nourishing your body, listening to its needs, and rejecting the false promises of quick fixes.
If you’re considering a cleanse or detox, ask yourself: is this supporting my long-term health, or am I falling for a marketing gimmick?
💡 What Your Body Actually Needs
Your body thrives on consistency, nourishment, and balance. That’s why the 365 Easy Challenge focuses on six foundational habits to create sustainable growth:
Gratitude – Build a positive mindset by reflecting daily on what you’re thankful for.
Digestion – Support your gut with mindful eating practices and nourishing foods.
Sleep – Prioritize restorative rest to boost energy and metabolism.
Mindset/Self Talk – By reframing, shift your mindset to approach challenges with resilience.
Stress Management & Nutrition – Balance your life and plate without extremes.
These habits aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress. You can join in any time and make this year about sustainable, steady growth. One phrase I often say often to clients:
“Slow is steady and steady is fast.”
Seven Things I Wish I Knew Sooner
In this episode, we’re tackling the first four lessons I wish I’d learned earlier in my nutrition and fitness journey. These are insights that can save you time, frustration, and even your health.
1. Extreme Diets Have Extreme Consequences
If you’ve ever thought, “I just need to cut calories harder,” let me stop you right there. Extreme diets may promise quick results, but they come with a hefty price tag on your body.
Research, such as the Biggest Loser Study (PMID: 27136388), reveals a major roadblock: metabolic adaptation. Your body isn’t wired for vanity; it’s wired for survival. When you restrict calories excessively, your body compensates to preserve energy—this can continue for years after the diet ends (PMID: 35729736).
Here’s what that looks like:
Calorie restriction becomes less effective over time.
Your metabolic rate slows down, making it harder to maintain or continue fat loss.
You feel frustrated, but it’s your body hitting the brakes, not your willpower failing.
Takeaway: Your body isn’t out to sabotage you; it’s protecting you. The solution? Nutritional periodization. Incorporate diet breaks, maintenance phases, and even reverse dieting to minimize these adaptations.
2. Restrictive Diets Wreck Hormonal Health
Chronic or yo-yo dieting isn’t just stressful for your mind—it’s a major stressor for your body. Prolonged restrictions can negatively impact your:
Adrenal system: Chronic stress triggers the HPA axis, increasing cortisol. While cortisol is essential in moderation, consistently high levels can negatively impact energy, mood, and immunity.
Thyroid: High stress interferes with TSH production and the conversion of thyroid hormones, which are vital for metabolism.
Reproductive hormones: Missing or irregular periods, hair loss, and constant coldness? These are signs your body isn’t feeling “safe” enough to prioritize reproduction.
Minimum body fat is necessary to maintain reproductive health, especially for women. Hormones like progesterone, critical for ovulation and metabolism, rely on nutrient availability and a sense of safety
Takeaway: Your body isn’t the enemy—it’s doing its best with the fuel and signals you’re giving it. Support your hormones by eating enough, maintaining balance, and avoiding extreme restrictions. PMID: 2282736
3. Exercise + Intermittent Fasting = Double Trouble for Women
Adding intense exercise to intermittent fasting might sound like a fast track to results, but for women, it’s a recipe for dysfunction. Here’s why:
Women’s bodies are highly sensitive to kisspeptin, a neuropeptide critical for reproductive and endocrine health. Diets like keto and intermittent fasting can disrupt kisspeptin production, leading to:
Endocrine dysfunction.
Menstrual irregularities.
Depression and increased abdominal fat (yes, the opposite of what you wanted).
Half of all active women aren’t eating enough to support basic functions, let alone training. The long-term impact? Impaired thyroid function, stalled muscle growth, and metabolic imbalance.
Takeaway: Women need nourishment, especially when training hard. Fasting and exercise together often do more harm than good, leaving your body stressed instead of thriving.
4. A Healthy Relationship with Exercise is Flexible and Fulfilling
Exercise is amazing for your body and mind, but even a good thing can become harmful when taken to extremes.
Exercise addiction is a compulsive engagement in physical activity, despite negative consequences. It often comes with:
Excessive rules and rigidity.
Feelings of shame before, during, or after workouts.
Withdrawal symptoms when unable to exercise.
In contrast, a healthy relationship with exercise is:
Flexible: It allows for variety in movement types and durations.
Fulfilling: It’s rooted in joy and self-care, not punishment or guilt.
Takeaway: The best kind of movement is the one that enriches your life, not rules it. Exercise should add value to your day, not take away from it.
✨ Let’s Leave Hustle Culture in 2024👋
Hustle culture says, “Eat less, work more, and sacrifice rest to succeed.” This mindset isn’t empowering—it’s exhausting. This year, let’s prioritize health over hustle and choose habits that energize rather than deplete.
The 365 Easy Challenge is here to help you make that shift. Whether it’s gratitude, better sleep, or balanced nutrition, these small steps add up to big changes over time.
Takeaway for 2025: This year, skip the detox and focus on what truly works: habits that honor your body’s needs, not a quick-fix fantasy. If you’re ready to embrace sustainable growth, join the 365 Easy Challenge and start building a foundation for lifelong health.
Magical thinking is a quirky psychological phenomenon where people believe that their thoughts, wishes, or actions can directly influence real-world outcomes, despite defying logic or scientific fact. It’s the belief that if you wish for something hard enough, visualize it every day, or think positively, the universe will somehow bend to your will. Sounds empowering, right? But in reality, it leads to a lot of irrational beliefs and behaviors, particularly in high-pressure environments like multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes.
MLMs thrive on this kind of thinking, pushing slogans and practices that dangle the promise of success, wealth, and happiness in front of their members—all through nothing but the power of positive thinking and visualization. “Just think it, and it’ll happen!” But here’s the catch: it never really works like that.
Why Is Magical Thinking Dangerous?
1. False Sense of Control
Magical thinking feeds people this false sense of control over their lives and circumstances. It convinces them that all they need is positive vibes to attract success, which can lead to dangerous complacency. Instead of putting in the hard work, effort, and strategic thinking needed to succeed in any real business, MLM recruits often fall into a trap where they believe success will magically come to them. Spoiler alert: it won’t.
2. Financial Loss
MLMs are notorious for selling the idea that anyone can make it big if they just believe in themselves. It sounds inspiring, right? But it’s a trap. People are encouraged to pour their hard-earned money into products, recruitment materials, and endless training sessions without fully understanding the shaky foundation these businesses stand on. In reality, research shows that up to 99% of MLM participants lose money, but thanks to the allure of magical thinking, they keep going, convinced that their big break is just one more product purchase or recruit away.
3. Emotional Manipulation
MLMs are also masters of emotional manipulation. If you’re not succeeding, they’ll convince you that it’s not the business model that’s failing—it’s you. You didn’t think positively enough, you didn’t manifest hard enough, or you weren’t dedicated enough to your dreams. This emotional burden can leave individuals feeling guilty, ashamed, and like personal failures, even when the deck was stacked against them from the start. The cycle of shame continues as they compare themselves to the shiny success stories splashed all over social media.
4. Detachment from Reality
Magical thinking can lead to complete detachment from reality. When you’re convinced that positive thoughts are all you need, you can easily ignore the mounting red flags. People end up ignoring their dwindling bank accounts, fractured relationships, and mental exhaustion because they’re too busy trying to manifest success. And by the time they snap out of it, the damage is done.
Why Do MLMs Use Magical Thinking?
1. Reinforcement of Loyalty
MLMs aren’t just about selling products—they’re about creating a cult-like loyalty. By pushing magical thinking, they foster a tight-knit community of like-minded believers. This sense of belonging makes it incredibly difficult for individuals to walk away, even when the financial and emotional costs start piling up. After all, leaving the MLM means leaving the tribe—and who wants to be the one to break away?
2. Justification of Failure
When magical thinking is the foundation of your belief system, failure is never about the business model. It’s always personal. Didn’t make the millions you were promised? It’s because you didn’t believe enough. This mindset is a genius way for MLMs to deflect blame, keeping their own reputation intact while making their members feel like the problem lies with them. It keeps the business running without accountability.
3. Encouragement of Recruitment
MLMs thrive on recruitment, and magical thinking is the fuel for the machine. The idea that anyone can succeed if they just think positively or visualize their dreams is a powerful hook for drawing in new recruits. If everyone believes success is inevitable through mental willpower alone, they’ll keep signing up—and bringing others with them.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
• Slogans and Phrases
Be on the lookout for those overly-optimistic, saccharine catchphrases like, “Just believe and you’ll achieve!” or “Manifest your dreams, and they’ll come true!” These slogans might seem harmless at first, but they’re big red flags that magical thinking is being used to manipulate and keep people hooked.
• Focus on Personal Stories
MLMs love to highlight the few personal success stories where individuals “made it,” while conveniently sweeping the 99% of struggling participants under the rug. This selective storytelling distorts reality and feeds the illusion that success is within easy reach for everyone.
• Pressure to Stay Positive
If you feel constant pressure to only stay positive and avoid discussing any challenges or failures, that’s another major warning sign. MLMs don’t want anyone disrupting their “positive vibes” because questioning the business model threatens the entire operation.
• Ignoring Evidence
If an MLM is constantly dismissing scientific evidence or research in favor of anecdotal stories and positive affirmations, it’s time to raise an eyebrow. Facts and figures don’t lie—but magical thinking demands you ignore the hard truths in favor of feel-good fiction.
Conclusion
Magical thinking can feel seductive—after all, who doesn’t want to believe that simply thinking positively can change your life? But in the context of MLMs, it’s a dangerous trap that exploits emotions, manipulates reality, and can lead to significant financial and psychological harm.
Recognizing the power of magical thinking is a key step toward protecting yourself from falling prey to MLM schemes. The next time someone tries to sell you the dream with a hefty dose of “just believe,” remember: real success comes from strategy, effort, and critical thinking—not wishful thinking. Stay sharp, and always dig for the facts behind the hype.
If you’re looking to dig deeper into the topic of magical thinking, MLMs, and their psychological impacts, here are some top-notch resources that will give you the depth and insight needed to fully understand the scope of this issue:
1. Books
“Merchants of Deception” by Eric Scheibeler
A former high-ranking member of an MLM, Scheibeler exposes the dark side of the industry, shining a light on the manipulative tactics, including magical thinking, used to keep participants hooked and financially invested.
“Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing” by Robert FitzPatrick
FitzPatrick’s book is one of the most thorough resources available on MLMs, dissecting the psychological manipulation that fosters the illusion of success, including how magical thinking plays a role in perpetuating these business models.
“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini
While not specifically about MLMs, this classic book on persuasion provides a solid foundation for understanding the psychological tactics used in MLMs, including magical thinking. The book covers how people are influenced by emotional appeals and irrational thinking in decision-making.
“The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It… Every Time” by Maria Konnikova
This book dives into why people fall for scams, cons, and magical thinking, explaining the psychological elements at play, such as the desire for control and emotional manipulation—key tactics used by MLMs.
2. Podcasts
“The Dream”
This investigative podcast explores the world of MLMs, breaking down the psychological manipulation, emotional appeals, and magical thinking used to recruit and retain participants. The show offers interviews and personal stories, exposing the inner workings of MLMs in a captivating and digestible format.
“MLM: The Broke Podcast”
Hosted by a former MLM member, this podcast uncovers how MLMs operate and the manipulative strategies they employ. The podcast touches on magical thinking and the emotional manipulation that keeps participants in these schemes.
3. Academic Articles & Research Papers
“Magical Thinking and Superstitions: How Beliefs and Cognitive Biases Drive Irrational Behavior” – by Michael Shermer
This article explores the psychological underpinnings of magical thinking and how it relates to belief systems. Shermer’s work is helpful for understanding the cognitive biases MLMs exploit.
“The Dark Side of Positive Thinking” by Gabriele Oettingen (Psychological Science)
Oettingen’s research critically examines the idea that positive thinking, often promoted in MLMs, can lead to worse outcomes when people fail to back it up with realistic planning and action, a key aspect of magical thinking.
“The Fantasy of Success: MLMs and the Psychology of Unrealistic Optimism” by Kim Korteweg (Journal of Business Ethics)
This study looks at the role of unrealistic optimism and magical thinking in MLM recruitment and retention, providing a scholarly perspective on how these psychological tricks keep participants engaged.
4. Documentaries & Films
“Betting on Zero” (2016)
This documentary follows hedge fund manager Bill Ackman’s quest to expose Herbalife as a pyramid scheme. It highlights how MLMs, including Herbalife, use magical thinking to maintain their recruitment and selling operations, and the devastating impact it has on participants.
“LuluRich” (2021)
A documentary series about the rise and fall of LuLaRoe, this film touches on the magical thinking that drove people to invest thousands into the company based on promises of riches and financial freedom. It dives into the personal stories of those who fell victim to the MLM’s tactics.
5. Articles and Blogs
“MLMs Use Magical Thinking to Sell Dreams” (The Atlantic)
This article delves into the connection between magical thinking and MLM success, explaining how the industry’s use of vision boards, affirmations, and other positive-thinking tactics lure people into believing they can manifest wealth.
“Why People Keep Falling for MLM Scams” by Amanda Montell (Cosmopolitan)
Montell breaks down the psychological manipulation MLMs use, including magical thinking, and how they tap into emotional vulnerabilities, especially for women seeking financial independence or a sense of community.
“Multi-Level Marketing and the Cult of Magical Thinking” (Psychology Today)
This blog post by a psychologist explores the mental traps of magical thinking, including how MLMs leverage these tactics to keep people hooked, even when they’re losing money.
6. Research Studies & Psychology Databases
American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA has various articles and studies on cognitive distortions, belief systems, and the psychology behind magical thinking, which are key to understanding how MLMs manipulate thought patterns.
PubMed/NIH Studies
If you’re looking for peer-reviewed research, searching PubMed for articles on cognitive biases, emotional manipulation, and the psychology of MLMs can provide high-quality, evidence-based insights.
These resources will give you a comprehensive understanding of how magical thinking, emotional manipulation, and psychological tricks are intertwined with MLM schemes. Whether you’re writing, podcasting, or just seeking to educate yourself, these tools will sharpen your perspective on the dangers of MLMs and the allure of magical thinking.
At the beginning of my journey into multi-level marketing (MLM), I felt an overwhelming sense of serendipity. Like many others, I was drawn into the promise of freedom, financial independence, and the power of owning my own business. That initial excitement felt so right, I even got a “trust the process” tattoo to anchor myself in the belief that I was on the right path. But the deeper I delved into this world, the more I realized the complexities and underlying control tactics that defined it.
Reflecting on my early days in the MLM space, I can’t help but think of how magical the thinking felt. I truly believed I was guided into the opportunity. But as time went on, the inconsistencies, emotional manipulation, and exploitative nature became impossible to ignore. It’s been a journey of grieving that magical thinking—something I now understand as part of a coercive, controlling system designed to keep me chasing an illusion.
Brandie, my guest on this episode, shares a similar experience. As a mother, writer, speaker, and advocate, she’s been at the forefront of exposing MLMs as commercial cults, wellness scams, and even legalized labor trafficking. She has spoken extensively about how her journey, which started with serendipity, eventually led her to scrutinize MLMs more critically. Her insights reflect the emotional complexity many face when disentangling from these organizations.
Here are some key aspects of our conversation:
The Magical Thinking Trap: Both Brandie and I felt an initial sense of serendipity, which was reinforced by the community and mentors telling us to “trust the process.” This belief system is intentionally nurtured in MLMs to keep participants emotionally invested.
Leveraging Credentials: We discussed how MLMs often leverage the credentials and influence of professionals like doctors, nutritionists, and influencers to give the illusion of legitimacy. Brandie emphasized how this tactic makes MLM pitches more persuasive, especially to vulnerable individuals seeking validation.
The “Mother” Angle: Brandie shared how MLMs often target mothers, using manipulative language that preys on their desire for financial freedom and the ability to work from home while caring for their families. The messaging can be so powerful that mothers internalize guilt and blame when they don’t succeed, despite the system being rigged against them.
Unpaid Labor and Emotional Manipulation: We delved into how MLMs strategically manipulate participants into performing unpaid labor, like attending large-group-awareness trainings or MLM conferences, under the guise that these events will lead to success. This creates a cycle of emotional dependency on the MLM structure.
Coercive Control Beyond the Home: Brandie highlighted the growing movement to criminalize coercive control, not just in domestic environments but also in online groups and commercial cults, including MLMs. Canada’s Bill C-332 and California’s SB 1141 are steps toward addressing this kind of manipulation in non-physical forms.
Misleading Social Media Practices: MLMs are notorious for using social media posts to bait others into joining, often hiding the true nature of the opportunity behind attractive lifestyle imagery and vague promises of success.
Paid Certifications as Funnels: Another tactic we discussed is the use of paid certifications and courses as entry points to recruit others into MLMs or similar for-profit groups, disguising recruitment as personal development.
Power Dynamics and Influence: Brandie warned about individuals in positions of power, like pastors or healthcare professionals, who pitch MLM opportunities using their influence, creating a dangerous overlap between authority and exploitation.
Bait-and-Switch in Non-Profits: Some MLMs use non-profit organizations as fronts to recruit members, exploiting charitable intentions for financial gain.
Brandie’s Substackrecently covered how Canada’s Bill C-332 and California’s SB 1141 aim to combat coercive control. These laws recognize that coercion doesn’t always result in physical harm but can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. Extending these protections to online and commercial environments, like MLMs, is a crucial step toward addressing the hidden abuse happening in plain sight.
MLM Compensation Plans
For those unfamiliar with how MLMs work, here’s a breakdown of their typical compensation plans, which all hinge on recruitment:
Binary: You recruit two people, who recruit two more, forming a pyramid. You earn based on the sales and recruits of those beneath you.
Unilevel: You can recruit as many people as possible, with everyone directly under you. You earn a percentage of sales from your downline.
Forced Matrix: There’s a limit to how many people you can recruit directly, so recruits are placed under others in your team, further embedding the hierarchical structure.
Although MLMs claim that participants can make money from sales alone, true financial gain only comes from recruiting others. Companies avoid pyramid scheme accusations by paying bonuses on downline commissions rather than direct recruitment. Still, this setup exploits participants, most of whom will never see a living wage.
MLM Profitability
Studies and reports paint a grim picture for those involved in MLMs:
FTC Report: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), approximately 99% of MLM participants end up losing money.
Profit Sources: Success in MLMs often hinges on recruiting new participants rather than selling products to consumers, which creates a structure where the majority are positioned at the bottom, struggling to make a profit.
When it comes to making a profit, the comparison between lottery odds and MLM (multi-level marketing) success rates reveals a stark reality: both paths are fraught with significant financial risk, but MLMs typically offer even lower chances of profitability.
If you’re evaluating an MLM opportunity, watch out for:
Deceptive earnings claims
Manipulative recruitment tactics disguised as “personal development”
High-pressure tactics to attend unpaid events
Cult-like devotion to leadership or the company itself
As Brandie and I peeled back the layers, it became clear that MLMs are not just financial traps—they are systems of coercive control designed to exploit both financially and emotionally. With legal movements like Bill C-332 gaining traction, there’s hope that MLMs and similar organizations will finally face the scrutiny they deserve.
Grieving the magical thinking days has been bittersweet. In some ways, it was easier to believe in the serendipity, but now, stepping into a space of scrutiny offers greater growth and clarity. In that sense, the journey may be more challenging, but it’s also far more rewarding.
How MLMs and high-control religions exploit narratives to control and isolate
As we have discussed in a previous blog post, in both MLM companies and high-control religions, sophisticated methods of narrative control and emotional manipulation are used to maintain adherence and deflect objections. These organizations craft carefully curated stories of success, empowerment, and belonging, reinforcing a strong sense of group identity while discouraging critical thinking. Objections are met with pre-scripted narratives designed to dismiss doubts and isolate dissenters, creating environments where questioning becomes taboo.
By understanding the parallels between these two worlds, we can begin to recognize the underlying tactics used to manipulate emotions and maintain control. Whether it’s an MLM promising financial freedom or a religious group offering spiritual salvation, the emotional hooks are the same: they both rely on your commitment to their carefully constructed reality. Breaking free means reclaiming your own narrative, embracing skepticism, and fostering critical thought in the face of pressure to conform.
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Here are some of the best resources for learning more about commercial cults and anti-MLM movements:
Books:
Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing by Robert L. FitzPatrick – This book provides a thorough exploration of MLMs and their business structures, helping readers understand how they operate like legal pyramid schemes.
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell – Analyzes how cults (including MLMs) use language and manipulation techniques to maintain control over their members.
Duped: Compulsive Consumers and the Culture of Shame by Ron Jonson – While not MLM-specific, this book delves into how we’re manipulated by industries that exploit our insecurities.
Websites & Blogs:
Truth In Advertising (TINA.org) – A watchdog organization that exposes deceptive marketing practices, including MLM earnings claims and false advertising.
MLMTruth.org – A resource dedicated to educating the public on the dangers and tactics of MLMs, providing reports and analysis on popular companies.
The Anti-MLM Coalition – This coalition provides insight, resources, and stories from those who’ve escaped MLMs, along with analysis of companies and their harmful practices.
YouTube Channels:
The Anti-MLM Coalition – A YouTube channel that breaks down how MLMs operate, featuring stories from former MLM participants and experts in cult dynamics.
Savannah Marie – A former MLM participant who creates in-depth critiques and investigative videos on popular MLM schemes.
The Recovering Hunbot – Focuses on exposing the emotional manipulation and false promises made by MLM companies.
Hannah Alonzo-Hosts commentary-style videos relating to multi-level marketing companies, scams, cults, and influencer/social media culture.
Podcasts:
The Dream – A highly-rated podcast that dives deep into the world of MLMs, offering an in-depth investigation into the industry’s history and practices.
Life After MLM – Hosted by Roberta Blevins, this podcast features interviews with former MLM participants, exploring the mental and financial impacts of MLMs.
Opportunity Cost-Hosted by a past guest, Jill, and is about multi-level marketing, each episode she covers inner workings, origins, nuances, and tries to answer the question: Is this the opportunity of a lifetime? Or the illusion of one?
Conferences & Activist Groups:
The Anti-MLM Conference – A yearly event that gathers MLM critics, industry experts, and scholars to discuss deceptive practices in MLMs and their broader social impacts.
Multi-Level Marketing Conference (MLM Conference) – A scholarly conference that brings together academics, legal experts, and former MLM participants to discuss MLMs from a critical perspective.
Pyramid Scheme Alert – Run by Robert FitzPatrick, a pioneer in anti-MLM activism, this organization focuses on educating the public about the dangers of pyramid schemes and MLMs.
These resources provide a wide range of perspectives on commercial cults and MLMs, making them essential for those looking to understand and dismantle the harmful structures behind these organizations.
Welcome back Wellness Warriors, and truth seekers!
As we have been discussing all of Season 2, Fundamentalist thinking doesn’t just reside in religious circles—it also permeates wellness and healing spaces. Just as high-control religions exploit human vulnerability, so does diet culture.
I’ve had my share of blindly following extreme health regimens recommended by practitioners, ignoring my own discomfort along the way. It became clear that fundamentalism can crop up in various aspects of life, and part of healing is about recognizing and addressing these tendencies within us.
We have discussed how high control religion and diet culture both capitalize on the brain’s tendency to interpret things in a binary black-and-white manner by presenting clear-cut rules, guidelines, and belief systems that simplify complex issues into easy-to-follow directives.
In this post, we’ll exploring deeper into how the brain’s craving for control and the dopamine boost it triggers can explain why people may transition into high-control environments or swing from one extreme to another. Such as moving from a loose, permissive belief system to a strict, rule-bound one, or from an unrestricted eating pattern to a rigid diet.
The Illusion of Control and Dopamine
The concept of the “illusion of control” ties deeply into our brain’s reward system, particularly through dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for motivation and learning. When individuals believe they have control over situations, even when that control is illusory, their brains can release dopamine. This release can provide a rewarding feeling, reinforcing the behavior or belief that leads to this sense of control.
The brain’s craving for control plays a crucial role in how individuals respond to structured systems, be it in religion, diet culture, or Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. When we encounter a belief system or set of teachings that offers clear, structured guidance, it triggers a sense of control, even if that control is illusory. This perceived control is neurologically rewarding because it leads to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and the reinforcement of behaviors of control over one’s body and health, triggering dopamine release and creating a feedback loop that encourages continued adherence. Similarly, religious fundamentalism often offers clear-cut guidelines on how to live, providing the same sense of security and control, thus reinforcing the behavior.
This perspective not only sheds light on why people might gravitate towards fundamentalism or diet culture but also opens up a discussion on the broader implications of how our brains can be influenced by the promise of control, even when that control is more perceived than real.
What Causes the Illusion of Control
The illusion of control is driven by several factors and provides psychological benefits.
In health and wellness, people often adhere to strict diets or exercise routines, believing they control their weight or fitness, even though genetics and other factors also play a role. This illusion of control can be comforting and encourage adherence.
Similarly, in religion, individuals may follow rigid rules or rituals, thinking they control their spiritual outcomes or moral status, which provides a sense of security and boosts self-esteem.
When did the concept of the illusion of control originate?
The concept, first described by psychologist Ellen Langer in 1975, was initially seen as a way to maintain self-esteem by attributing success to oneself and distancing from failure. Recent research suggests it results from misjudged causality, where people’s sense of control is distorted by their actions rather than actual influence.
Fundamentalism and Structured Belief Systems
Fundamentalism, with its rigid doctrines and absolute truths, can offer a powerful sense of control, especially for those who have previously encountered ambiguity or lack of structure. These rules provide a clear framework for living, reducing the anxiety that comes with uncertainty, and delivering a dopamine-driven sense of reward that reinforces their commitment to the system. This appeal to control can be understood through several key aspects:
1. Structure and Certainty
Fundamentalism provides a clear and structured framework for understanding the world and one’s place within it. This structured approach often includes strict rules, definitive answers, and a well-defined moral code. For individuals who have experienced the fluidity and unpredictability of hyper-charismatic or New Age movements, the stability offered by fundamentalist systems can be particularly attractive.
In fundamentalist belief systems, every aspect of life is often governed by established doctrines. This comprehensive structure can reduce the anxiety associated with uncertainty and ambiguity, offering a predictable environment where individuals feel they know the correct course of action. This sense of predictability can be a significant source of comfort, as it replaces the confusion and complexity of previous experiences with clear-cut answers.
2. The Illusion of Control and Dopamine
The dopamine-driven reward system plays a crucial role in why fundamentalism is appealing. When individuals adhere to the strict rules and guidelines of fundamentalism, their brain releases dopamine, providing a sense of satisfaction and reinforcement. This dopamine release occurs because the rigid structure of fundamentalism offers a perceived sense of control over one’s life and environment.
This sense of control, even if illusory, can be neurologically rewarding. The anticipation and experience of control lead to the release of dopamine, which reinforces the behavior and belief that adherence to fundamentalist teachings is beneficial. Over time, this feedback loop strengthens individuals’ commitment to the belief system, as the dopamine-driven rewards make the structured environment feel more gratifying and secure.
3. Regaining a Sense of Agency
For those coming from less structured or more ambiguous belief systems, fundamentalism can represent a way to regain a sense of agency and direction. After experiencing a lack of clarity or guidance, individuals may find the definitive answers and rules provided by fundamentalism to be reassuring. The shift towards a more structured belief system can be seen as an effort to reassert control over one’s life and decisions.
Fundamentalism’s clear boundaries and absolute truths provide a stark contrast to the uncertainty that may have characterized previous experiences. This transition can be particularly appealing for individuals seeking to regain stability and predictability. The rigid nature of fundamentalism offers a form of control that feels tangible and dependable, even if it is ultimately based on a set of beliefs rather than empirical evidence.
4. Community and Belonging
Fundamentalist communities often emphasize conformity and collective adherence to their doctrines. This communal aspect can further reinforce the illusion of control by providing social validation and support. Being part of a group that shares the same rigid beliefs can enhance the sense of belonging and reinforce the perceived control individuals feel.
The social reinforcement within fundamentalist groups contributes to the illusion of control by making individuals feel supported and validated in their adherence to the teachings. This communal validation can strengthen their commitment to the belief system, as the positive feedback from the group further activates the brain’s reward system.
5. Cognitive Dissonance and Commitment
Once individuals have invested significant time and energy into a fundamentalist belief system, cognitive dissonance can make it challenging to question or abandon their beliefs. The discrepancy between their initial expectations and any potential contradictions or failures within the system can lead them to double down on their commitment.
The illusion of control provided by fundamentalism makes it psychologically difficult to admit that the system may not offer the promised stability or certainty. This cognitive dissonance drives individuals to reinforce their adherence to the system, as admitting any flaws would undermine the very control and certainty they sought to obtain.
The Illusion of Control in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Schemes
Similarly to fundamentalist belief systems, MLMs leverage the illusion of control by presenting themselves as opportunities for individuals to take charge of their own success. Participants are led to believe that their efforts directly determine their earnings and advancement within the company. This illusion can be highly appealing, giving people a sense that their hard work and decisions will lead to tangible rewards.
The prospect of achieving success and the belief that one’s actions are under their control can trigger dopamine release in the brain. When individuals see small successes or receive positive feedback, it reinforces their belief in their ability to control their destiny, making them more likely to continue participating despite setbacks.
MLMs often provide structured guidelines, training, and motivational materials that create a sense of control. Participants are given specific strategies to follow, which can make them feel like they have a roadmap to success. This structure reinforces the illusion that they are in control of their outcomes, even when success largely depends on recruitment and team performance.
MLMs frequently emphasize personal responsibility and self-improvement. They promote the idea that success is a result of individual effort and perseverance, subtly shifting blame for any failures onto the individual rather than the system itself. This reinforces the illusion of control by making participants believe that if they follow the system closely enough, they will succeed.
The social aspect of MLMs, including group meetings, motivational events, and social media communities, can amplify the illusion of control. Participants often see others achieving success and feel motivated by their peers, which can strengthen their belief in their own ability to control their outcomes.
Once individuals have invested time, money, and effort into an MLM, the illusion of control can make it difficult for them to step away. The cognitive dissonance created by the gap between their expectations and reality can lead them to double down on their commitment, further reinforcing their belief in their control over their situation.
The Role of Power in the Illusion of Control
Powerful individuals—including CEOs, politicians, religious leaders, and MLM leaders—often overestimate their control over events beyond their expertise. This inflated sense of control can lead to hubris, risky decisions, and an all-or-nothing approach. For example, a wellness guru who believes they can control all aspects of health through strict regimens may push extreme diets or unproven supplements, driven by the illusion of control. Similarly, a religious leader might impose rigid doctrines, believing they can control or influence every aspect of followers’ lives. This overconfidence and all-or-nothing mindset can result in extreme actions and decisions, as seen when individuals adopt overly restrictive health practices or dogmatic religious rules, ultimately leading them to lose touch with reality.
Appeal to Vulnerable Groups
Studies suggest that no one is immune to the illusion of control—under certain circumstances. Research shows that those who are personally involved in actions are among those most likely to overestimate their influence on the outcome. In addition, the behavior of pathological gamblers is driven by the belief that they can beat the odds of what is demonstrably determined purely by chance.
There are people known to be at low risk of susceptibility to illusory control: those who are depressed. Numerous studies show that depressed people are virtually invulnerable to the illusion of control. They have been found to have less distorted views than the non-depressed across a wide array of perceptions and judgments‑a state of mind that has been labeled depressive realism. They are more likely to see the futility of taking action to influence outcomes. When vulnerable individuals meet a group that offers definitive answers provides the certainty and structure these individuals crave, making them more likely to adopt and adhere to the teachings.
Effects of the Illusion of Control
A sense of control is an adaptive trait linked to better health outcomes, including reduced risk of mortality and diseases, improved physical and cognitive function, and higher life satisfaction. It promotes positive behaviors like exercise and good sleep and enhances optimism and a sense of purpose.
However, the illusion of control can also lead to magical thinking, poor decision-making, and risky behaviors such as gambling, as it may encourage unrealistic beliefs and prevent thorough analysis of situations.
In Summary
Reflect on how the illusion of control might be influencing their own choices and beliefs. Consider whether a sense of control is driving your decisions in areas like health, religion, or business ventures. Understanding this psychological mechanism can empower you to make more informed choices and break free from patterns that may not truly serve your well-being. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments or join the conversation on our social media channels to explore these ideas further.
Plus, join us this week on the podcast, as we talk with @mburtwrites a talented author and advocate in children’s literature, about faith, parenting styles, and mental wellness. Share your thoughts or join the conversation—let’s explore the impact of the illusion of control together! 💭
🎧here
RESOURCES:
Books:
“The Illusion of Control: Why We Overestimate Our Ability to Control Events” by Ellen J. Langer
A foundational text by the psychologist who first described the illusion of control.
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
This book delves into various cognitive biases and heuristics, including the illusion of control.
“The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg
Explores how habits form and the role of dopamine in reinforcing behaviors.
“The Dopamine Diet: The Complete Guide to Lose Weight, Boost Your Energy, and Live a Happier Life by Rebalancing Your Brain Chemistry” by Neil W. Dhingra
Focuses on how diet impacts dopamine levels and overall well-being.
Articles and Papers:
“Illusion of Control” | Psychology Today
An overview of the illusion of control and its psychological underpinnings. Read here
“The Truth About Dopamine and Your Brain” | Psychology Today
Explains dopamine’s role in motivation and reinforcement. Read here
“Biology of Motivation, Dopamine, and Brain Circuits That Mediate Pleasure” | SpringerLink
A scientific paper detailing dopamine’s role in motivation and reward. Read here
“The Illusion of Control in the Financial Markets” by E. J. Langer
Examines how the illusion of control affects decision-making in financial contexts. Read here
Online Resources:
TED Talks
Search for TED Talks on cognitive biases and the role of dopamine for accessible explanations and examples.
Coursera and edX
Look for courses on psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics that cover these topics in depth.
YouTube Channels
Channels like CrashCourse and Khan Academy often have videos on psychology and neuroscience that touch on related concepts.
These resources should provide a comprehensive understanding of how the illusion of control and dopamine influence behavior across different contexts.
When it comes to making a profit, the comparison between lottery odds and MLM (multi-level marketing) success rates reveals a stark reality: both paths are fraught with significant financial risk, but MLMs typically offer even lower chances of profitability.
🚀 Join us for an eye-opening episode that tackles the intersections of gender, culture, business, and control. Don’t miss out on these compelling insights!
Lottery Odds
The chances of winning a significant prize in major lotteries, such as Powerball or Mega Millions, are astronomically low. For example:
Powerball Jackpot: The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 292 million.
Smaller Prizes: While there are better odds for smaller prizes, they still remain quite low, often making even minor winnings a rare occurrence.
MLM Profitability
Studies and reports paint a grim picture for those involved in MLMs:
FTC Report: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), approximately 99% of MLM participants end up losing money.
Profit Sources: Success in MLMs often hinges on recruiting new participants rather than selling products to consumers, which creates a structure where the majority are positioned at the bottom, struggling to make a profit.
Key Factors to Consider
Initial Costs: Many MLMs require an initial investment or ongoing purchases to remain active. This financial commitment can lead to losses if the participant fails to recruit enough new members or sell sufficient products.
Time and Effort: Achieving success in MLMs often demands a significant investment of time and effort, frequently far exceeding the potential earnings.
Recruitment Focus: The profitability for top MLM earners typically comes from recruiting others rather than direct product sales, creating a high barrier to profit for most participants.
Conclusion
While neither playing the lottery nor joining an MLM is advisable for making a profit, statistically speaking, the majority of people will lose money in both scenarios. However, due to the structural and financial demands of MLMs, the likelihood of achieving a profit is typically even lower than winning a smaller lottery prize.
In summary, while both the lottery and MLMs are risky ventures with slim chances of financial gain, comparative data suggests that the average person is more likely to incur losses in an MLM than in the lottery. Proceed with caution and consider more reliable financial strategies to achieve your monetary goals.
Over the last few weeks, we have been exploring the complex interplay between radicalization, conspiracies and religion. During the pandemic, I was one of those new-age rebels that was pumped into conspiracy and conversion to religion pipeline. I was one of those people seeking answers and meaning that was drawn to radical ideologies and conspiratorial narratives that promised belonging, purpose, and empowerment.
A huge aspect of my deconstruction process is realizing how I’ve been susceptible and caught up in cult-like dynamics for most of my adult life. I spent years entangled in an MLM (2016-2020), which only worsened my dis0rded eat1ng behaviors from high school. These products often promoting unrealistic body standards and fostering unhealthy relationships with food. Feeling lost without that community, I was drawn into pandem1c conspiracies and eventually into high-control religion.
The “crunchy hippie to alt-right pipeline” is a phenomenon where individuals initially attracted to alternative wellness and New Age practices become increasingly exposed to far-right ideologies. This shift is facilitated by social media algorithms and influential figures who blend wellness content with conspiracy theories and extremist views.
Key Points of the Pipeline:
Algorithmic Influence:
Social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram use algorithms that can gradually expose users to more extreme content. For instance, someone watching videos on natural health remedies might eventually receive recommendations for videos that include far-right conspiracy theories or anti-establishment rhetoric (Virginia Review of Politics).
Overlapping Values:
Certain aspects of New Age and wellness cultures, such as skepticism of mainstream medicine and government, overlap with the distrust and anti-establishment sentiments of far-right groups. This makes the transition smoother as the ideologies can appear to support each other (Cross Cultural Solidarity).
Influential Figures:
Wellness influencers who propagate conspiracy theories (like QAnon) help bridge the gap between New Age communities and far-right ideologies. They often present themselves as offering alternative truths, which can be appealing to those already disillusioned with conventional systems (Cross Cultural Solidarity).
Community Dynamics:
Online communities play a crucial role. Individuals often seek validation and a sense of belonging in these groups. Once part of a community that blends wellness with far-right views, it becomes easier to accept and internalize these extremist ideologies (Virginia Review of Politics) (Cross Cultural Solidarity).
Implications:
Radicalization: This pipeline can lead to the radicalization of individuals who initially joined wellness communities for benign reasons but gradually adopt extremist views.
Polarization: The spread of far-right ideologies within wellness spaces contributes to societal polarization and the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories.
Public Health Concerns:
Misinformation and Hesitancy towards “BigPharma” Social media platforms have been conduits for the dissemination of misinformation regarding 💉, leading to hesitancy. False claims about safety and conspiracy theories have undermined public health efforts.
Addressing these public health concerns requires a multi-faceted approach that includes combating misinformation, improving mental health services, addressing healthcare inequities, ensuring continuity of chronic disease management, strengthening public health infrastructure, and promoting evidence-based health practices. Public awareness and education, policy reforms, and community engagement are essential in tackling these challenges and improving overall public health outcomes
Conclusion:
Understanding this pipeline is essential for recognizing how seemingly unrelated interests in wellness and spirituality can be co-opted by extremist ideologies. It highlights the need for vigilance and critical thinking in online spaces, as well as the importance of promoting credible information and fostering inclusive communities. For more detailed discussions on this topic, you can refer to articles from sources like the Virginia Review of Politics and Cross Cultural Solidarity (Virginia Review of Politics) (Cross Cultural Solidarity).
Over the last few months, I’ve learned that multilevel marketing companies, conspiracy theories, and high-control religions share similarities in their recruitment tactics, manipulation of beliefs, and the creation of insular communities. They often use charismatic leaders, exploit emotional vulnerabilities, and promote an us-versus-them mentality to maintain control and loyalty among their followers. 🫨
Social media wields considerable influence in radicalizing individuals and indoctrinating them into high-control religions and MLM schemes through the use of various potent methods and strategies.
The concern about their role in radicalization, polarization, and recruitment into high-control groups, MLMs, and religions is significant but often underplayed. Social media platforms can amplify echo chambers, spreading misinformation and extreme views quickly. Algorithms prioritize engaging content, which can include sensationalist or divisive posts, fostering an environment ripe for radicalization and recruitment. Additionally, the sense of community and belonging offered by these groups can be appealing, making individuals more susceptible to their influence. Greater awareness and critical media literacy are essential to mitigate these risks.
🔑 Primary methods employed on social media:
1️⃣Direct Messaging: Followers can reach out to potential recruits directly through private messages, providing personalized attention and answers to their questions, fostering a sense of personal connection and care. Influencers and Leaders: Charismatic leaders and influencers within can use their social media presence to attract followers, often by presenting themselves as relatable and trustworthy figures.
2️⃣Content Flooding: These groups can flood social media with posts, videos, and articles promoting their beliefs. This constant stream of content can overwhelm users, making it difficult for them to encounter alternative perspectives. Misinformation: False or misleading information can be spread to discredit critics, demonize outsiders, and paint the religion in a positive light, further ensnaring individuals who come across such content.
3️⃣ Inspirational Stories: Testimonials, miracle stories, and dramatic conversions are shared widely to evoke strong emotional responses, making the religion appear attractive and compelling. Fear Tactics: Content that promotes fear of worldly dangers, apocalyptic scenarios, or spiritual consequences of not joining the religion can be used to manipulate users into adopting the group’s beliefs.
4️⃣Algorithmic Targeting: Social media platforms use algorithms to show content that aligns with users’ existing beliefs and interests. Once someone engages with this content, they are likely to see more of it, reinforcing their views. Group Isolation: Users can join groups and follow pages that only promote the ideology of the high control religion or MLM, effectively creating echo chambers where dissenting views are absent.
5️⃣ Virtual Communities: Social media platforms allow the formation of virtual communities where members can interact, share experiences, and reinforce each other’s beliefs. This sense of community can be a powerful draw for those seeking belonging. Exclusive Content: Providing exclusive content, such as live sermons, special teachings, and interactive sessions, can create a sense of privilege and deeper connection among followers.
6️⃣ Engagement Metrics: Likes, shares, and comments serve as positive reinforcement for engaging with content, encouraging users to consume and spread more of it. Regular Interaction: Frequent interaction with content through daily posts, challenges, and reminders helps to condition users’ behavior and integrate the religion or products into their daily routine.
7️⃣ Multi-Platform Presence: Both high control religions and MLMs often maintain a presence across multiple social media platforms, ensuring that their message reaches users wherever they spend their time online. Coordinated Campaigns: Coordinated campaigns across platforms can amplify the reach and impact of their message, creating a pervasive online presence that is hard to escape.
8️⃣Data Analytics: Social media platforms gather data on user behavior, preferences, and interactions, which can be analyzed to tailor more effective recruitment and indoctrination strategies. Monitoring and Policing: Leaders and members can monitor interactions within their social media groups to quickly address dissent and reinforce group norms.
9️⃣Virality of Content: High-quality, engaging, and provocative content is more likely to go viral. By exploiting social media algorithms that prioritize such content, these groups can rapidly spread their message to a broad audience. Hashtag Campaigns: Using specific hashtags can help content gain visibility and connect with trending topics, drawing in users who might not have actively sought out this particular kind of content.
To avoid being recruited into high-control religions or MLMs on social media, consider these strategies:
Be cautious of persuasive tactics: Watch out for overly aggressive or manipulative recruitment techniques, such as love bombing or excessive flattery.
Research the organization: Look into the background and reputation of the group or company before getting involved. Check for any red flags or warning signs of cult-like behavior.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Listen to your gut instincts and don’t ignore any feelings of discomfort.
Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Don’t be afraid to say no or walk away if you feel pressured or uncomfortable.
Seek advice from trusted sources: Talk to friends, family, or mentors about your concerns before making any decisions. They may offer valuable insights or perspectives that you hadn’t considered.
Educate yourself: Learn about the tactics and strategies used by high-control groups and MLMs to recruit and retain members. Being informed can help you recognize and resist manipulation more effectively.
Practice critical thinking: Be skeptical of any promises of quick wealth or guaranteed salvation. Take the time to evaluate information critically and consider multiple perspectives before making a decision.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to high-control religions or MLMs on social media.
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