Hypnotists, Check Your Ego at the Curtain
Being self-aware on this issue is HUGE.
Alright, fellow entertainment hypnotists, let’s get real for a second. We didn’t get into this business because we were called by some higher power to change the world. No one wakes up one day and says, “You know what humanity truly needs? A guy making strangers forget their own name for laughs.”
No, we got into this because standing on a stage, commanding a crowd’s attention, and making people do hilarious things under hypnosis is fun. And if we’re really honest with ourselves, we also love the rush of being in the spotlight.
And that’s okay! Entertainment, by its very nature, is an ego-driven art form. But like a well-trained hypnotic subject, ego needs boundaries. When left unchecked, it can hold us back, make our performances less effective, and even sabotage our marketing efforts. So let’s talk about it.
Ego on Stage: Trying Too Hard, or Just Right?
The most common way ego sneaks into our shows is when we start trying too hard.
Trying too hard to be the funniest person on stage.
Trying too hard to be the star of the show instead of the guide.
Trying too hard to control every moment instead of letting the magic of hypnosis happen naturally.
Ever watch a performer who’s so desperate to be cool that it actually makes them seem less cool? That’s ego at work. The best hypnotists don’t need to prove they’re funny, engaging, or charismatic—because their show does that for them. When you step back and let the volunteers shine, the whole performance becomes stronger.
Remember: You might be the hypnotist, but your show isn’t really about you. It’s about the experience you create for your volunteers and your audience. When you shift the focus away from proving how great you are and instead focus on delivering an unforgettable experience, the laughs, the applause, and yes—the bookings—follow naturally.
Ego in Marketing: Are You the Star, or Is Your Show?
Now let’s talk about something that might sting a little: your website.
Take a minute to go look at it. Seriously, I’ll wait.
Now, ask yourself:
How many photos are of you versus how many are of the audience or volunteers having an incredible time?
Does the copy focus on what you do, or does it focus on how your show makes people feel?
Do your testimonials say, “This hypnotist is amazing!” or do they say, “This was the funniest, most incredible experience ever!”?
When a potential client visits your site, they’re not looking for a rockstar. They’re looking for an experience that will make their event unforgettable. If your marketing is all about how great you are, instead of how great the audience’s experience will be, you might be letting ego get in the way of your bookings.
What Happens When You Let Go of Ego?
When you put ego aside, everything gets better.
You stop playing it safe and start taking risks that lead to real growth.
You create more engaging, audience-driven shows.
You market yourself in a way that actually connects with clients.
In short: when the focus shifts from you to the experience, you don’t just become a better hypnotist—you become a better businessperson, too.
So here’s your challenge: over the next week, take an honest look at how ego shows up in your performances and marketing. If you catch yourself making the show about you, take a step back. If your website reads like a personal fan page, shift the focus.
Because the less you focus on being “the best,” the more people will actually see you as the best.
And that’s the real trick, isn’t it?