How Neuro-Linguistic Programming Can Change Your Life

How Neuro-Linguistic Programming Can Change Your Life

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If you have heard of neuro-linguistic programming, you will already know that it holds the power to change your life in so many ways. 

However, you might not yet understand the true power that this package holds and all of the benefits it can bring to your life.  

In order to get the best possible results from neuro-linguistic programming, it is necessary to understand the process as fully as possible. 

In this article, we will look at what neuro-linguistic programming is, how it works, and what it can do to help change your life for the better.  

What Is Neuro-Linguistic Programming?

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a method that is used to help alter our thoughts and behaviors in ways that can help us to reach our desired goals and dreams. 

The processes that relate to our behavior, language, and neurology are all interconnected.  Because of this, it is possible to “reprogram” the way our brains work in order to control how we think about and react to things around us. 

Neuro-linguistic programming can also be used to help improve our communication skills and develop better relationships with the people around us. 

How Does Neuro-Linguistic Programming Work?

How Does Neuro-Linguistic Programming Work?

Neuro-linguistic programming looks at the brain as a sort of internal operating system that consists of our feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. 

NLP can determine the way in which our current state of mind can significantly influence the way we act and communicate with others around us and ourselves.  

The systems in our brains can be accessed and changed through language.  There are multiple main facets that make up the process of reprogramming our brains with NLP. 

Internal Maps

The concept of NLP is based on the idea that our brain is made up of internal maps.  These internal maps make up our personal representation of reality. 

We can explore our internal maps through our sensory experiences, this then can determine our feelings and behaviors.

The sensory experiences that make up our internal maps can be auditory, visual, gustatory, kinesthetic, or olfactory.  For some people, certain sensory stimuli will be more consequential than others. 

NLP can be used to help modify any limitations of our internal maps that have been subconsciously created because of our experiences.

NLP works on the assumption that everyone has a bias toward one of the sensory systems, like we mentioned above, it may be images, sounds, smells, or feelings. 

When we have a bias for one sensory system, we are likely to use this to process our experiences.  However, this is a very limiting means of creating internal maps. 

If we are able to operate with all of the representational systems and use the most appropriate one for different circumstances, we will be able to become more flexible behaviorally. 

Modeling Excellence

One of the most important aspects of NLP is recreating or modeling excellence.  Modeling a behavior leads the way for copying the accomplishments of others as a means to introduce similar levels of excellence in our own lives. 

It is possible to model any skill or behavior through mastering the beliefs and thought processes that underpin them and applying them to our own lives. 

Logical Levels Of Change

Another predominant aspect of NLP is the model of logical levels of change.  This model is used to help build plans to modify the undesirable thoughts and behaviors that are holding us back. 

The model was based on work by British anthropologist and linguist, Gregory Bateson.  Bateson once said that learning consists of naturally occurring hierarchies. 

These provide us with a roadmap to facilitating change.  There are six levels that make up the model. 

Environment

The lowest logical level in NLP is the setting and people around us.  This is the easiest thing to modify in NLP.  The simple act of changing something in our environment or network can help to eliminate negative influences and modify obsessive behaviors. 

Behaviors

Often seen as a precursor to negative thoughts and actions, behaviors are crucial to enacting positive change.  This level helps us to identify the specific behaviors we have that we want to change.  

Capabilities And Skills

This level refers to our ability to make the changes that are desired.  It also focuses on the tools that we need to be able to make these changes. 

Capabilities and skills can include common techniques such as hypnosis, meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation.  All of these can be useful in overcoming our fears. 

Beliefs And Values

The fourth level looks at the beliefs and values that we hold which can give us internal permission to make the necessary changes. 

Negative and undesirable behaviors can quickly become an important internal value that blocks or negatively affects other personal values and beliefs.

Identity

One of the hardest levels is identity.  This is an evaluation of our ability to implement positive changes as well as negative ones. 

Purpose And Spirituality

The hardest level in NLP is purpose and spirituality.  This level pertains to the involvement of personal ethics and religion.  At this level, the change is seen as being a small part of something bigger than ourselves. 

How Can Neuro-Linguistic Programming Change Your Life?

How Can Neuro-Linguistic Programming Change Your Life?

The most important thing to note when looking into NLP to help improve your quality of life is that empirical evidence is lacking. 

Despite being used for decades, the theories behind it are yet to be proven through scientific research.  Despite the lack of overwhelming evidence to support NLP, there is significant anecdotal data which is encouraging. 

There are many ways in which NLP can help to change your life.  If you are currently struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, phobias, or post-traumatic stress disorder, NLP can be incredibly useful for treating some of the symptoms.  

An NLP-trained therapist will attempt to understand your thinking, emotional states, behavior patterns, and even aspirations.  When they analyze your internal maps, they can help to identify the most beneficial skills and strengthen them. 

They will also help you to develop new strategies to replace negative ones that are holding you back.  

NLP can also be useful if you are not struggling with any diagnosed psychological issues. 

If you are looking to achieve a promotion at work or want to achieve certain goals during your college education, NLP can be a useful tool to help you be more productive and avoid negative behavior patterns that may be holding you back.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does NLP Take?

Neuro-linguistic programming is an incredibly quick method to help you alter your behavior and thinking processes. 

Many people who attend therapy sessions with an NLP therapist will notice results as quickly as the first session.  On average, it takes between 1 and 3 sessions to learn the skills that you need to implement NLP in your daily life. 

Is NLP Different From CBT?

If you are looking into different types of therapy to find the best one for you, you might be wondering if there is a difference between NLP and CBT.  For many counselors and therapists, NLP and CBT are two sides of the same coin. 

However, there is one significant difference between them.  

CBT involves looking at cognitive processes that require context and information for specific situations and behaviors.  NLP techniques can be learned and implemented independently of context and specific situations. 

Final Thoughts

There are so many benefits to learning NLP techniques.  They can help you to gain more control over your thoughts and behaviors, increase your productivity and help you to reach your goals and aspirations sooner.  

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