Why Influence Fades Unless You Enchant Hearts, Minds, and Actions

It's easy to mistake persuasion for true influence—until you watch excitement wear off the moment you leave the room. Consider an energetic startup that launches a revolutionary product. At first, the founders are convinced that their idea is so groundbreaking that people ‘should’ just get on board. But soon reality hits: even friends with early interest drift away, team members lose energy, and the product gathers dust.

This common story highlights the gap between surface-level persuasion and deep enchantment. True enchantment doesn’t mean getting your way—it means creating moments where people genuinely want to join, act, or support a cause because it feels right for them. The outcome is voluntary, often joyful buy-in that contrasts sharply with compliance from fear or obligation. A vivid memory—like a warm handshake or an unexpected compliment—can spark this, as can a vision where everyone stands to benefit in a real way.

Behavioral science shows that influence fueled by stories, genuine appreciation, and mutual benefit consistently outlasts transactional tactics. When goals are ambitious, the resistance is stronger and older habits are entrenched; only what delights the heart and makes sense to the mind will move people to action. Think of situations where you’ve experienced this—a mentor who inspired you, a community event filled with excitement, or a product that changed how you see what’s possible. That’s enchantment in action.

Start by pinpointing places where your efforts to persuade just aren’t sticking—maybe a routine fizzles or a team project never moves beyond the basics. Instead of pushing harder, take a moment to brainstorm how everyone involved could truly win, writing down both your gains and theirs. Then, let go of manufactured urgency: ask yourself if the support you’re building would still be there if no one was looking over anyone’s shoulder. When you base your actions on creating shared delight and lasting voluntary support, you’re not just persuading—you’re genuinely enchanting. It’s a switch you can flip with intention today.