The Power Of The Mind, Learning NLP Techniques

We have heard of them, but what are NLP techniques? It is true that we cannot speak of Neuro-linguistic Programming as a science, hence it has received the occasional criticism. But it is considered a “model”, that is, a set of techniques and theories focused on understanding behaviors and guiding the human being towards self-knowledge and the achievement of objectives.

But let’s first analyze its acronym carefully:

On the one hand we have the word “programming”, which refers to the intention to reprogram behaviors, beliefs and psychological processes. The “neuro” concept leads us to the idea that all behavior is based on a series of neurological processes. And finally , “linguistics”, responds to the concept that all these neurological processes are expressed through a specific verbal and body language.

NLP principles and techniques

This dimensional triad that we mentioned  has the initial objective of understanding our internal processes to reprogram the way we communicate and express ourselves , in order to change beliefs and make us feel safe to achieve our personal success. Quite a challenge, right? But let’s get to know, in a brief way, some more of its aspects and NLP techniques.

1. Communication

NLP tells us that the way we communicate and the words we use define our reality and the way we understand the world, a personal perspective that sometimes does not coincide with that of our interlocutors.

In addition to this, people have two types of communication: the internal (what we think and feel in our internal forum), and the external (where in addition to the words that we express aloud, gestures, postures and gestures are united) .

2. Mode of processing the information

People differ in our way of “capturing” information. There are people who are guided more by the visual, others by the auditory route, others by the sensations…. Take a moment on this idea: How do you remember things more, with words or with images? 

Try to remember a moment from your past, how does that memory come to mind? Observe how you analyze and capture the information around you, if you are, for example, more visual or auditory.

3. The anchor

A way in which to achieve goals or overcome certain problems would be based on this concept, already used by behavioral psychology and one of the basic NLP techniques.

Let’s imagine a situation that causes us a lot of anguish and anxiety, public speaking, for example. One way to face this reality would be to “anchor” a pleasant, relaxed and positive moment in our memory, and associate it with the “stressful situation” through visualization and breathing techniques.

A walk on the beach when we were children, a sunset with our partner, relaxing music … all this should help us “weaken that fear” and reprogram new realities where harmony prevails. In this way, we gradually “anchor” ourselves in a calm and pleasant situation to face an event that is stressful for us.

4. The weather

Time has a certain importance for each person, but you must know how to manage it in an appropriate way.  In the past our memories and emotions come together, a trunk from which good things can sometimes be taken to reorient the “now”.

Because it is in the present where sensory experiences prevail, in which truly important events take place and where we must invest all our efforts in view of a good future. Thus, working in the present is essential in NLP to sow the future that we would like to have.

5. Systems ecology

People have a certain belief system and values ​​built throughout our lives, they are those engines that guide our neurological axes. “We are what we believe” and beliefs are the conceptions of our world, which promote action and behavior.

Sometimes, these beliefs are so ingrained in our being that we do not even realize if they are beneficial for us or not, we may be hurting ourselves without knowing it … Hence, NLP delves into our systems ecology to make us aware and reorganize these structures in a more beneficial and optimal way.

These are then, in broad strokes, the basic pillars on which this approach to the human mind, Neurolinguistic Programming, is based, where the way in which we interpret our reality and organize information prevails: the senses, language, the time, words, memories, beliefs … are those leaves that make up the tree of our life.

NLP techniques help to vary or focus in a different way some of these parts to direct our lives towards certain goals.