Neuro Linguistic Programming

                                            Photo by Alan de la Cruz
 

What is NLP?

This is a topic I read about recently in a book from Tony Robbins and it is a method I had not been familiar with until now. Neuro Linguistic Programming or NLP for short is related to how we view our lives and how what we experience can be completely different to the reality of someone else's lens. I did a previous blog about projection from our own lens but this will focus more on NLPs. 

The way we experience reality goes into a continuous loop throughout our lives and becomes organized into our own version of what we think and feel. Whenever we process information about any subject that we are learning it goes through a process of filters which we create an opinion based on our thoughts, beliefs and values. Two people can look at the same set of facts but produce totally different interpretations of those details to produce a conclusion.

Opinion or Absolute Fact

Since our lives are built around experiences that are different than others, there comes an opportunity to shape our lives in different ways as long as we are open minded to new ideas. I cannot tell you how many times I had discussions with others about how someone else was in my view following the wrong path whether it be work, school, or relationships. The problem is it is just my view or opinion and not based all the facts. This shows me that how I view anything may not be the absolute truth to the way it should be done. It is just my perspective.

So how do NLPs create a better life experience for me and others. Well it is done through modelling. When we look for example at someone else who is very fit and athletic, we may be trying to get to that same level of fitness as them but no matter what we do we cannot achieve the same results. Well basically the modelling that we are following is not working for us and so by modelling our life around a mentor that is getting the results we desire can better work in our favor. 

Same idea applies in other fields of view like if you want to be financially successful. We look at others who are doing well money wise and would like to emulate the same outcome. We need to take a closer look at how we are handling our finances which may not be to our liking and start to model our behaviours closer to how wealthy people manage their finances. 

Life is Subjective

With NLPs we can tap into the structure of almost anything as its interpreted in the world around us. How does another person's experience create a better structure and thus yield better results. We need to come to the conclusion that the experience of our life is subjective, meaning its based on or influenced by our personal feelings and opinions.

 

What is great in this understanding is we don't have to think one dimensional. Life does not need to be followed by the same old ways of thinking. How we structure our life is done internally which is mostly unconscious. So once we are more aware that our lives are subjective it can allow us to be more flexible to new ideas.

Here's a great video about NLP from Tony Robbins

                                            video by coachingniptraining

Break Through Limiting Beliefs

We all have limiting beliefs which have been engrained sometimes for longer than we can remember. If we do not believe we can accomplish something then we filter in that negative energy and not produce the results we desire. With Neuro Linguistic Programming we can create empowering beliefs so we can be mentally stronger and push through our old habits. What you believe about yourself has the greatest effect on what you experience in your reality.

There is the ability to change for the better. An NLP does not tell someone how to do anything in absolute terms, it rather gives better understanding to life's complicated issues and how we can view it with a fresh set of eyes. Life has unlimited potential to it. The more we learn and the more experience the world gives us can ultimately strengthen the structure to do anything at a higher level.

NLP Techniques to Consider

Focus on your state of mind: We deal with other human beings all the time which means there will be conflicting views between us. Before going into a negative state of mind; stop and take a deep breath before reacting. Then try to deescalate the tension by breaking up the conflict before it gets out of control. Lead by good examples.

Stop the Emotional cycle: When we have bad emotions like anger or frustration it can go into a never ending loop in our minds and thus cause us to continue to feel the effects of those emotions. Think about when we are angry at someone for a long period of time. Those angry emotions continuously coursing through us won't have a positive effect on our nervous system and can lead to other ailments which have been well researched by leading modern neurologists. Stop and change the direction of those feeling before they go into that loop. By doing this we can get out of those stuck emotions and amplify good feelings instead. 

Reframe old Patterns: Ask yourself a simple question. How do you know that your thoughts and views are actually true? The way you view anything could be based on how we were conditioned in the past from others like parents, teachers, coworkers and friends. This conditioning is often times not based on actual facts and more just opinion. Explore new views and we can create new patterns. We are always framing things in our minds. We can create new meanings and new realities so we can break away from limiting beliefs.

Anchor Yourself: Whenever I enter my home I always make the habit of locking the door. It has become a habit that is anchored in my mind and becomes automatic without much thinking about it. When we self anchor, we create a reminder in our nervous system. Give yourself confidence to retrain your mind and body to start doing what you want to achieve and this will create a shift to a stronger and more confident self.

Recommended Reading: Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins

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