What is NLP?

NLP or Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a term which is being used more and more across all areas of life. You may have heard about it but are not quite sure what it is or it may be completely new to you. Whatever your knowledge or experience in simple terms “NLP has developed models and techniques for quickly and effectively changing thoughts, behaviours and beliefs that limit people into thoughts, behaviours and beliefs that help people get what they want” (www.habits4success.co.uk). In other words, it can change negative into positive, restriction to freedom and it can help anyone.

NLP stands for;

Neuro: The neurological system which regulates how our bodies function. “It is the body’s information processor. Without this highly advanced information and communication system, the body cannot function”. (To read more visit Jigsaw Health @ www.jigsawhealth.com/articles/neurological_system.html)

Linguistic: This is the language/words we use when we talk to ourselves and others

Programming: These are the patterns of thought and behaviours which we have developed from our childhood; our early experiences have created our perception of the world and now impacts how we experience life every day

NLP in short is the relationship between the mind (neuro) and the language we use (linguistic) and how together they affect our body and the way in which we feel and behave (programming).

These 3 components are completely interlinked and so by altering one aspect we can change another.

There are a number of excellent books and websites which provide further reading on NLP, from its origin and development through to techniques and exercises. A good place to start is www.habits4success.co.uk

How can NLP help you?

NLP has been successfully used for many years in therapy, business and sport and can help with any aspect of your life. The list below are just some examples but there are many more.

Do you need help with;

• Increasing your earnings through improved working/career performance?
• Becoming an effective and persuasive presenter?
• Any aspect of your personal development?
• Improving your management techniques?
• Your learning skills?
• Your sales pitch?
• How you communicate at work and in your personal relationships?
• Overcoming limiting fears & phobias?
• Reducing negative and restricting thought patterns that just keep you from fulfilling your potential?
• Setting goals and seeing them come to fruition?

Just ask yourself, “What is holding me back from being the person I am capable of being”? Once you know the answer NLP can help you change.

An important factor of NLP is knowing that if another person can do something and do it well then you can learn now they do it to by following the same thoughts and patterns of behaviours. You can become excellent at anything if you know what steps to take, and even if only 1 person can do something you too can learn.

To get you started here is a simple NLP exercise taken from Pegasus NLP Training @ www.nlp-now.co.uk, which you can do by yourself without any training or previous experience.

In a nutshell!

In this NLP mental technique you mentally review (or preview) a situation from a number of different standpoints in order to enrich your appreciation of what is involved. (In NLP it has traditionally been called 'Perceptual Positions’.

Why use this

• Enables you to think more flexibly and creatively.
• Improves your understanding of other people.
• Provides an opportunity to stand back and consider issues dispassionately
• Helps you appreciate the influence of your verbal and non-verbal behaviour on others, and the influence of their behaviour on you.

How to use Different Perspectives

Use it to review an interaction with another person - or to prepare for a forthcoming one.

Do two rounds. The first round provides insights into the current situation. The second round enables you to benefit from the insights gained in the first round - while mentally 'wiring in' the learnings.

1st Perspective

See the situation through your own eyes. You are primarily aware of your own thoughts and feelings. Enables you to consider your own needs.

2nd Perspective

Imagine what it is like to be the other person. Put yourself in their shoes - as if you are looking back at yourself, seeing, hearing, and feeling as the other person.

3rd Perspective

Take a detached viewpoint. Imagine you are looking at yourself and the other person 'over there' - seeing the two of them speaking, gesturing etc. Pay particular attention to non-verbal behaviour such as the body language and the sound of their voices. Then consider, as a result of taking this view, what advice you wish to give 'yourself' about how you are handling the situation.

The 2nd Round

Now repeat the process using the advice/learnings from the first round. Run through it with the new behaviours - first as yourself, then as the other person, and finally the detached view.

Finally, think of up-coming events in which these insights may be useful. Mentally run through these while imagining that you are incorporating your new learnings.

For another free exercise please click here and we will send you one by return.

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NLP ( Neuro-Linguistic Programming) in Portsalde East Sussex