What is NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) offers practical techniques for changing how you think, interpret past events, and approach your life.
Unlike traditional psychoanalysis, which often explores why issues occur, NLP emphasizes how to create change through practical strategies.
Taking Control of Your Mind: The Principle Behind NLP
The way you think can determine the way you live!
NLP works from the viewpoint that while you may not be able to control everything that goes on in your life you can always take control of what goes on in your head.
According to NLP, thoughts, feelings, and emotions aren’t just things that happen to you—they are patterns you create and can change. Their causes can often be very complicated, involving, for instance, comments or beliefs from your parents or teachers, or events that you have experienced.
NLP shows you how you can take control of these beliefs and influences. Using mind techniques such as visualization, you can change the way that you think and feel about past events, fears, and even phobias.
The Power of Belief
What you believe can be extremely powerful.
Beliefs can have a profound impact on health. In some cultures, strong negative beliefs—even superstitions—can influence health outcomes. This is sometimes referred to in the context of the placebo effect.
What this boils down to is that if you believe you can do something, you probably can. But you can also challenge limiting beliefs, and change whether you believe you can do something by asking yourself questions like:
- How do I know I can’t do that?
- Who said that to me? Might they have been wrong?
Goal Setting
We’re all familiar with the principles of goal setting, but NLP suggests some interesting new insights, focusing on satisfaction, not dissatisfaction.
For example, it’s helpful to make your goals positive; focus on what you want to have, not what you’d like to lose or not have. You should also think about what it is that you really want. For example, the goal isn’t just to buy your dream house—it’s to live in it and enjoy the lifestyle it brings. It’s much easier to get motivated about a goal that really satisfies you.
The Power of Questions
It is suggested that our minds actively look for answers to questions.
So if you ask yourself ‘Why do I feel so bad?’, your mind will find lots of answers and you will feel worse. With NLP the key is to ask the right questions, for example:
- Why do I want to change?
- What will life be like when I have changed?
- What do I need to do more/less of in order to change?
Questions like these naturally lead to a more positive outlook.
Conclusion
NLP is a very powerful technique based on the power of your own mind. While some may view NLP as a form of “mind tricks,” it is better understood as a collection of mental tools that help you change thought patterns and behaviour.
You may not be able to control the world, but you can control how you react to it.