Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
What is NLP?
First things first. It’s a little difficult to pin NLP down to a single definition.
It is a collection of techniques generated by modeling exceptional people to achieve outstanding results.
However, NLP is more than strategy and methodology. It is a way of thinking based on a curiosity about our values and beliefs. NLP explores how we structure our subjective experience and how we identify with our emotional states.
NLP brings about self-awareness, personal development, and ultimately change. When approaching change and self-development, there needs be a congruency between the belief in what you’re doing and your ability to succeed.
The name “Neuro Linguistic Programming” includes three components:
Neuro: The mind; how we think
Linguistic: The use of language and how it impacts communication and subsequent behavior
Programming: How we sequence our actions to produce a desired outcome
One of my favorite definitions of NLP from Robert Diltz is, “NLP is whatever works.”
An artfully vague, yet sincere approach which brilliantly reinforces a commitment to your success.
How does NLP work within coaching?
When it comes to success, NLP recognizes a recurring theme in human behavior. You can literally study people who have been successful at the exact thing or something similar to what you want to do and then do it yourself.
By observing behaviors of successful people, you can learn to achieve your desired results by modeling them.
In other words, success leaves clues, follow their blueprint or system.
- Goal:What you want to achieve
- Reality:The current situation
- Options:Choices you have in order to move towards our goal
- Will:What will you do? The actions you need to take to help achieve your goals.
(developed by Graham Alexander, Alan Fine, Sir John Whitmore)