What is NLP and how does it work?

NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) had its beginnings back in the 1970s when two academics, John Grinder and Richard Bandler got together to study existing ideas and ways of thinking to see what it was that made some people more effective in any given area than others and to study if there was a way in which their success could be copied by others. (This technique came to be known as modelling)

Having studied the works of many people such as Milton Erickson; Virginia Satir; Fritz Perls; Gregory Bateson and others they came to the conclusion – very simply put – that if people could change their beliefs they could change
their behaviour which would, in turn, affect the results they achieved.
(Just for fun – think about learning to Tango! You might start off by thinking “I don’t know the steps, I can’t hear the beat in the music and I have very bad timing. I’ll never learn to Tango!” BUT – supposing you carefully studied an expert Tango Dancer watched the way he or she moved, listened to the beat in the music and noticed how he or she reacted to it and copied their exact steps and movements – well how could you NOT become a great Tango Dancer yourself!

NLP has been variously defined as:

“A personal development system” – Wikipedia

“….…an attitude and methodology that leaves behind a trail of techniques” – Richard Bandler

“….…a secret code to your mind’s potential, giving you a degree of command over your feelings and control over your thoughts you may never have believed is possible” – Paul McKenna

“The study of subjective experience” – Robert Dilts

"The world's most powerful toolbox for change and success in the 21st century" - Justin Tipper

“.......an accessible practical concept that translates totally into the everyday world of influence, communication, negotiation, teamwork, coaching … the list is infinite. And at its heart it is about us as mortal human beings, our aspirations, our challenges in relationships and our dreams” – Sue Knight
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Let’s look at the name:

Neuro - as you might have already guessed - relates to the brain and how the way we see the world enters into our consciousness via the five senses:

    Visual – seeing
    Auditory – hearing
    Kinaesthetic – touching and feeling
    Olfactory – the sense of smell
    Gustatory – taste

Linguistic relates to the way we use words to express ourselves and how we communicate our feelings and thoughts to others by our use of language.

Programming is about how we generally and consistently think and behave. Just as you might programme your computer to get the results you want so you can programme yourself to achieve your objectives. Perhaps in the past you have had a habit you wanted to get rid of and did so successfully. The way you achieved this was by reprogramming your brain (or your unconscious mind) to follow a different path.

So now you have an idea of how NLP came about; an idea of how it works – what can it do for you?

Absolutely anything you want - be it in your personal life; your relationships; or your career!

HOW?
By applying NLP’s four Rules for Success

1. Deciding what you want, being specific about it, being positive about it and not allowing yourself to believe you cannot have what you want.

2. Taking positive action towards getting it. You’ve probably heard the expression “The longest journey starts with a single step”. So it is with NLP. You will learn techniques that allow you to focus and concentrate all the while moving steadily to achieve your desired outcomes.

3. Being flexible. Basically keeping on track and being aware that if a particular course of action does not seem to be working – you need to try something else.

4. Being aware. Goes with the point above. You need to be constantly aware of how your actions are working for you to achieve your goal or if you need to change tack.
I could go on and on (and frequently do!) but click here to find some links you might like to investigate to find out more about this intriguing subject.
Of course the very best way to find out more is to come on one of our courses or Introductory seminars click here to find out more.

Breakthrough Dynamics Limited – 161 Royal Avenue, Onchan, IM3 1LG, Isle of Man
Telephone +44 (0)1624 668086 or +44 (0)7624 496348
jtipper@breakthroughdynamics.co.uk  or alawrence@breakthroughdynamics.co.uk